Hymn History - Be Still, My Soul
Thomas Hankin
Each revival is also remembered for a famous hymn. During the
16th century Reformation, it was "A Mighty Fortress is Our God." But
after a time, the churches of the Reformation became stale and
ritualistic again. In the latter half of the 17th century we hear of a
new hymn and a new revival breaking out in Germany. Our new hymn is "Be
Still, My Soul." And the themes of our new revival were: "Life versus
doctrine," "Reality versus the appearance of godliness." This was the
revival of Pietism.
"Be Still, My Soul" really had three person who put it together as
the hymn we sing today. Katharina von Schlegel, a notable woman of the
Pietism Revival, wrote the words, originally in German. One hundred
years later the hymn was translated into English, fortunately for us, by
Jane Borthwick. And our last contributor was Finland's greatest
composer, Jean Sibelius. One movement from his "Finlandia" is used as
the tune for our hymn. God used three people from three countries to
put together a hymn that teaches us that God is in control and to wait
on Him.
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 ev'ry change He faithful will remain.
Be still, my soul--
Thy best, thy heav'nly Friend
Thru 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! 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.
God Bless.
Tom.