Be Still, My soul

As part of our music studies, we are going to listen to a song called Finlandia Op. 26 by Jean Sibelius (listen HERE) in the next few weeks. But as I was reviewing it, somewhere in the middle of the very lively song, a quiet hymn- like melody began to play which made me stop and listen closer.

As I was humming the calm tune, I suddenly began singing words to it as if hidden in my memory.

It had to have words to it! So, I began the ever mind wracking struggle of trying to remember where else I have heard that tune- and I finally found it! It is a hymn!

The Second Chapter of Acts sings it beautifully in this rendition (listen here)- it is called Be Still, My Soul; and as I was listening, I looked up the words (listed below) which pierced my heart with the vivid reminder that God has been trying to remind me of for a few months now, but has escaped me because of my sinful heart of complaining.

"Oh, thank you Lord for your great mercy and for allowing struggles and little suffering troubles in my life because of your great Love- In your wonderful, merciful love for me and as you see fit. You have placed me where you have, allowing me to walk through such small troubles in comparison to so many others but those that I have and are facing are only for my good and your glory! I will not doubt your loving- kindness when life is difficult, but will life my eyes to heaven and trust your perfect hand! Thank you Lord for reminding me afresh what my heart has been struggling to remember."

Also, for a reading suggestion: Stepping Heavenward by Elizabeth Prentiss is a beautiful book of one woman's life and her walk toward righteousness- never have I been moved toward a heart of absolute trust, but through this little novel written over 100 years ago.

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 works 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