Be Still And Know

John 15:5 “Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing.” The tributes that have been generously paid to Queen Elizabeth often make reference to her calmness and constancy. Through the many changes and challenges of life she maintained a remarkable equilibrium. We saw her as she faced national tragedy, but also much family heartache and this continued right up to the end of her life. I have no doubt that she would have attributed this attitude to life, to her Christian faith. She was able to remain strong and peaceful through thick and thin because her life was firmly connected to the Lord, the source of life. He was her vine, and she was one of the branches. She knew that she had to remain in him, because apart from him she could do nothing. For this reason, she maintained a steady rhythm of worship throughout her life. She knew that she couldn’t go it alone. There are many reasons why it is good to reflect on J