Sunday evening I was very encouraged by the hymn selection at Calvary Baptist Church. We often go to God’s Word in times of struggle, suffering or pain – as well we should. There are also other resources that provide encouragement in times of difficulty – hymns / songs being one of those fantastic resources. When the song presents the character of God in relation to our suffering, the hymn takes on special meaning. Too often I get caught up in just “singing” and doing the “church thing”. Sunday night I let the words of the hymns wash through my mind, focusing on each word. This was the hymn we led off with, and I have gone back to listen to it often since then: (full lyrics below)
“Be Still, My Soul”
by Catharina von Schlegel, 1697-?
Translated by Jane Borthwick, 1813-1897
1. 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.
2. 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.
3. Be still, my soul, though 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 sorrows and thy fears.
Be still, my soul; thy Jesus can repay
From His own fulness all He takes away.
4. 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.
Question: What are some of your favorite hymns/songs to listen to when going through a rough time?
