Be Still, My Soul

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 heavenly 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 hastening 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.

Written by Catharina von Schlegel

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I chose to play this hymn for Offertory at church today, and I was preparing it, I started really thinking about the words. This is not a hymn that we sing very often, and I wasn’t familiar with some of the words. But as I spent a few moments thinking about the meaning behind these stanzas, it seemed very appropriate for my life right now. Reminders of God’s love, care, friendship, and protection. I am thankful that I have musical abilities and can attempt to portray my thoughts and feelings through melody and harmonies. As I played for the service, and tried to bring the text to life through music, the some of the phrases went deeper still, and throughout the remainder of the service I kept thinking “ Be still…. Bear patiently the cross of grief and pain, leave to thy God to order and provide. In every change He faithful will remain.” Some things in life are tough, but I am thankful that God will remain faithful and will provide for step of the way.