This stillness and silence befits us!

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    (Ashton Oxenden, "The Christian Life" 1882)

"I was silent; I would not open my mouth--for You are the one who has done this!" Psalm 39:9
"Be still, and know that I am God." Psalm 46:10
This stillness and silence befits us, when God lifts up His arm to afflict us. It is of little use at such times to struggle against His almighty power--to be restless and complaining when His heavy hand is laid upon us. Our wisdom is . . .
  to bear the burden which oppresses us with patience,
  to submit cheerfully to the will of God, and
  to kiss the painful rod which scourges us.

We should remember that our Father does not afflict His children willingly, that is, for His own pleasure--but for their profit. He loves them; and when He punishes them, it is for their discipline, and to make them what He would have them to be--partakers of His holiness.

We should look at our afflictions in this light--and not let a murmur escape our lips! Our language should be, "It is the Lord--let Him do what seems good to Him!" 1 Samuel 3:18
It is often our duty, in the hour of trial or of difficulty, to be still, to lie passive in God's hands, "to hope, and quietly to wait for the salvation of the Lord."

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