be still my soul

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 wind still know

His voice who ruled them while they dwelt below

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

     I had forgotten about this hymn. I was singing (I'm always singing, and nearly always looking for something new to sing), and I thought of this one. I started singing it, and when I got to the line "in every change, he faithful will remain," I lost it. I tried to keep singing, but it was hard because I was crying.

     Lately, I have still been struggling with all the change and the sadness, disappointment, et cetera that comes with it. Most of the time I'm fine; I forget that it's hard and enjoy life. It was one of those times when I started singing "Be Still My Soul." Singing "in every change, he faithful will remain" dug out the emotions I have in the times I'm struggling. 

     This really is an incredible hymn. I want to take a minute and talk about what it means for me.

In every change, he faithful will remain

Be still my soul: your best, your heavenly friend

Through thorny ways, leads to a joyful end

     Jesus is my best friend. He is always faithful. He's the still, never-changing rock above my swirling, changing, chaotic life. I know that though he leads me through thorny ways, I will reach that joyful end.

Your hope, your confidence, let nothing shake

All now mysterious shall be bright at last

Be still my soul: the waves and wind still know

His voice who ruled them while he dwelt below.

     God is in control of the waves and the wind: he rules them just as he calmed them when he was incarnate on the earth. I may not be able to control my circumstances, but God has it all under his control.

When disappointment, grief and fear are gone

Sorrow forgot, love's purest joys restored

     All I can say is that I can't wait for when there will be no such thing as disappointment, grief, or fear.  Revelation 21:4 says: "He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away." As Christians, love's purest joys will be ours like they once were for Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. 

Have you found any songs recently that God used to speak to you?

-Sarah :)