Be Still My Soul | Songs and Everlasting Joy

"Be Still, My Soul" was written by Katharina von Schlegel in 1752. It had five stanzas in the original language. Jane Borthwick translated the hymn into English and three stanzas are commonly sung.

The verse in Psalm 46:10 has a similar sentiment. "Be still and know that I am God." In the quiet of our souls we can have faith that the Lord will lead us through.

My favourite line, repeated at the end is:
"Be still, my soul, the waves and winds still know.
His voice who ruled them, while He dwelt below."

It is an obvious reference to the story of how Jesus calmed the sea. "And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm." Mark 4:39.

He can calm our storms of life, too. Be still, my soul, and accept His peace.

Verse 1
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.

Verse 2
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 dwelt below.

Verse 3
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.