Article February 9, 2015 ISSUE

When a psalm helped me …

By Ashley, fourth grade, California
Horse
KEN BAUGHMAN—STAFF

I got to learn how to ride horses for the first time at a summer camp for Christian Scientists. I had never been around horses before, and I was nervous. My instructors taught me how to mount a horse, ride a horse, and care for a horse. When it was time to learn how to “canter” on a horse, it was very hard for me to get over the fear of flying up and down in the air as the horse ran underneath me. 

That day, for inspiration, some counselors were listening to a popular song with lyrics from this Bible verse: “Be still, and know that I am God” (Psalms 46:10). We talked about how we can feel God is always with us if we stay quiet in our thought and know that God is in control, no matter what else is going on around us.

On the final rodeo day at camp, I prayed to know that my horse was an expression of God, and that I was there to be an expression of God, too. As they called my name to go into the ring, my horse seemed nervous, and I was afraid that she would buck me off her. My counselor reminded me to think about what we had learned about being still and feeling and knowing God’s presence. 

As my horse started to canter out into the ring, I could feel myself flying in the wind and thought, “Be still, and know that I am God.” I was not afraid anymore! My horse and I went through a whole barrels course with speed and grace. I really did feel like we were flying together, under God’s care. To my surprise, I ended up winning first place in the barrels that day. I even got a better time than some of the teenagers!

I shared this with my church one Wednesday evening at a testimony meeting. I think it helped other people, too, because at the next testimony meeting, a woman shared how one night she thought she was having an allergic reaction. But then she remembered how I had said I overcame my fear by remembering, “Be still, and know that I am God.” She said she immediately felt fine and was able to fall right to sleep. That made me feel really good that I was able to help someone else. I am really grateful for what Christian Science is teaching me about God.

About the author

Ashley loves to dance, read, and swim in the ocean with her brothers.

Send a comment to the editors
NEXT IN THIS ISSUE
Bible Lens
Bible Lens—February 9–15, 2015
February 9, 2015
Contents

We'd love to hear from you!

Easily submit your testimonies, articles, and poems online.

Submit