—It is not the thought that we hold that has power,—it is the thought that holds us. The thought is in a way to become powerful when we adopt it, but it is not a power until it adopts us. The first condition is that of activity of personal will— the will holding the thought. The second is that of surrender to Divine Will— thought and will are one.
In one our house is built upon the sand. In the other, the crumbling sand is turned to rock, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. Perception belongs to the spirit. It is a flash from the light of that world where "God himself is moon and sun."
—How beautiful to rest in the Lord—not to toil upward to Him, but only to rest, to subside into the truth.—"Be still, and know that I am God." Warfare is not the truest Christianity. Struggle is wrong, as fear is wrong. For us as there is nothing to fear, so there is nothing to struggle against. Only be still—rest. I know it seems as if we could not be still. We are like spent swimmers, and the waves will close over us—it seems—if we relax for an instant the terrible strain; or we are fleeing the trampling fire; its hot breath almost licks our faces as we plunge madly on for life. How can we stop? How can we rest? The sweet words seem mockery in our ears. Oh God! we cry out of our wild terror, If we only could rest! If only this terrible burden that taxes our thoughts so to bear, would roll away from us for only one little moment,—for one single quiet breathing moment,—just that we may gain strength to go on again! But, listen—"At the foundations" of one's being God is. Only give up, let go—and sink into the safety of the "everlasting arms." "Be still and know." With that knowing the waves cannot close over—the fire cannot touch. In that knowing is eternal rest.
