Be Still, My Soul
Recently in my message titled “The Swan is Not Silent”, I referenced the ancient hymn “Be Still, My Soul.” Its lyrics are poetical, theological, and deeply moving. God’s purposes in sometimes allowing the unthinkable are largely shrouded in mystery and can at times appear senseless. But it will not always be so, for Jesus came to reverse all the effects of the curse. In the face of devastating loss, the central message of the resurrection is hope … which only Jesus can give. It is a prayer to patiently put our trust in the Lord even in the day of adversity. It shows that no matter what we experience, ultimately there is a joyful end to all suffering. He shall make all things new!
For nearly three centuries, this has become a healing hymn for our hardest losses. Some of the greatest works are born out of trials and suffering. It was written by a German Protestant woman named Katharina Amalia Dorothea von Schlegel. It is thought it was composed after a devastating plague that took many of her closest friends. Each line is loaded now with meaning.
Listen, read and ponder this incredible Hymn.
Be still, my soul: the Lord is on thy side.
Bear patiently the cross of grief or pain.
Leave to thy God to order and provide;
In every change, He faithful will remain.
Be still, my soul: thy best, thy heav’nly Friend
Through thorny ways leads to a joyful end.
Be still, my soul: thy God doth undertake
To guide the future, as He has the past.
Thy hope, thy confidence let nothing shake;
All now mysterious shall be bright at last.
Be still, my soul: the waves and winds still know
His voice Who ruled them while He dwelt below.
Be still, my soul: when dearest friends depart,
And all is darkened in the vale of tears,
Then shalt thou better know His love, His heart,
Who comes to soothe thy sorrow and thy fears.
Be still, my soul: thy Jesus can repay
From His own fullness all He takes away.
Be still, my soul: the hour is hast’ning on
When we shall be forever with the Lord.
When disappointment, grief, and fear are gone,
Sorrow forgot, love’s purest joys restored.
Be still, my soul: when change and tears are past
All safe and blessed we shall meet at last.
Be still, my soul: begin the song of praise
On earth, believing, to Thy Lord on high;
Acknowledge Him in all thy words and ways,
So shall He view thee with a well-pleased eye.
Be still, my soul: the Sun of life divine
Through passing clouds shall but more brightly shine.
