Be Still, My Soul

i've been contemplating a lot lately how peace and rest in our lives are often something that we're called to command our hearts to. i think often we tend to think that peace is just supposed to 'happen' to us... and we even feel condemned sometimes if we feel restless. i wish i had time to go into more thoughts on this. but as i've been reading through some psalms, more often than not, we find the psalmist in a difficult place of trouble, trial or persecution... and we find him confessing his unrest and commanding his heart to rest in the Lord. Psalms 62, 77 and 131 just a few examples of this. i have many thoughts on this topic... but for now, i commend the lyrics of this old hymn to you. if you're struggling with peace and rest... read the psalms and sing this hymn to yourself. do what this hymn writer is doing... tell yourself of who God is, what He's done, why He's trustworthy... and command your heart to rest in the Lord.

'be still, my soul'

katharina a. von schlegel

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 blessèd 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.