Be Still My Soul

Psalm 46 describes a world in the midst of a great earthquake and storm. Yet it describes the help and presence of God in such a powerful way that it ends with this comfort… “Be still and know that I am God.” May this sweet hymn remind you of His nearness and power.

Be still, my soul, the Lord is on your side;

Bear patiently the cross of grief or pain,

Leave to your God to order and provide,

In every change, He faithful will remain

    Be still, my soul, your Best, your Heavenly Friend

    Through thorny ways, leads to a joyful end.

Be still, my soul, your God will undertake,

To guide the future as He has the past,

Your hope, your 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 lived below.

Be still, my soul, when dearest friends depart,

And all is darkened in the vale of tears,

Then shall you better know His love, His heart,

Who comes to soothe your sorrow and your fears.

    Be still, my soul, your Jesus can repay,

    From His own fulness, 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.

By Kathrina von Schlegel (1752)