Ride on! Ride on!
There was once a great battle, and the king's army was under terrible pressure from the enemy. The general decided to send for re-enforcements to help win the battle, so he chose out a young soldier whom he thought would be most suitable for the task. Off rode the soldier with the general's words ringing in his ears - "Ride on! ride on! don't lose a minute, or we are lost."
As he was galloping on, he noticed a change in the horse's gallop and he knew at once that a shoe was loose. He could hear the enemy in the distance coming after him. What should he do? There was a Smithy near at hand, and so, he decided to stop and have the hoof seen to. His heart was beating faster and faster as the blacksmith changed the shoe. The seconds seemed like hours, and minutes seemed like years. However, at last, it was done! Then leaping into his saddle, just as the enemy rode into sight, he galloped off like the wind and was able to do what he had set out to do - get help.
Now, boys and girls, I think there is a lesson for us in this little story. So often when difficulties or problems come our way, we just rush on, getting into a flap or muddle, and in the end no further forward and exhausted! Isn't that right? It's much more sensible to be calm, take stock of the situation, and then make a careful decision. This way, we can live ordered lives.
Now, when it comes to our soul, we must be twice as careful. Satan, the devil would want to keep us in confusion all the time; rushing through life, never having time to stop and think about God, or our sins, or the end. The Bible tells us many times to "consider" our ways. Jesus gave us a good example: how often He drew aside from the crowds, and in quietness, He prayed to God.
Let us remember these words from the Bible, "Be still, and know that I am God."