Over the past two weeks of corporate worship services, my church has sung, “Be Still My Soul.”
I don’t know when I first heard the song, but I’m sure it was early on in my youth. However, I do remember the first time it grabbed my attention: (don’t laugh) it was during an episode of the tv/spy show Alias. Jill and I used to stay up late watching episodes on DVD (before Netflix started streaming video).
Alias was famous for its musical interludes, which Jill and I loved. So when we both recognized the old hymn we downloaded the version from the show to our ipds (no iPhones yet). As we would play the song over and over, the lyrics became more and more sobering. Before long, it became one of our favorite hymns.
When we were preparing for Jill’s funeral, there was no doubt about it: We had to have someone sing, “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 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.
Here’s the version Jill & I loved from the Alias TV show. Here’s a new version by Kari Jobe.