Written in the 1700’s by Kathrin von Schlegel, Be Still My Soul confirms the value of “talking to yourself,” (which I love because I do a fair amount of it, particularly on my walks.) Stanza after stanza, the hymnwriter gives herself this directive: “Be still, my soul,” followed by reasons it’s possible, no matter one's circumstances:
-Because God is on your side and by your side.
-Because God is guiding and will guide even if it doesn’t make sense right now.
-Because whatever your “hard” is, it isn’t the end of the story God is writing.
-Because when it's all finished, we’ll be with Him.
I want to read this song as the challenge it is,
a revolutionary push back against a culture that says:
do it all,
do it fast,
and do it now.
When I remember that these lyrics were written nearly 300 years ago and the verse foundation, Psalm 46:10 “Be still and know that I am God,” came from David’s heart millennia ago, I realize that humanity has never NOT needed this reminder.
Kari Jobe’s rendition of this classic includes the addition of a chorus which is a declaration of “I’m doing it” to the admonition to trust, to be still, to rest. Be still my soul...and then, a lot of Yes:
In You I trust, You never let me go
I place my life within Your hands alone
(– and then back to this sage advice:)
Be still, my soul.
If you feel so busy,
so lost,
so weary,
so anxious
that you aren’t sure which way to turn,
maybe start here.
Look in the mirror and say,
Be still my soul.