Be Still My Soul Song Meaning, Biblical Reference and Inspiration
Be Still My Soul: A Song of Comfort and Assurance
As Christians, we often face trials and difficulties that can shake our faith and leave us feeling lost and alone. During these times, we need to be reminded of God's love and faithfulness, and the peace that only He can provide. One song that captures this message is "Be Still My Soul" by Don Moen. With its soothing melody and poignant lyrics, this song has become a beloved hymn of comfort and assurance for Christians around the world.
Meaning of "Be Still My Soul"
The lyrics of "Be Still My Soul" express a deep longing for peace and rest in the midst of life's storms. The phrase "be still my soul" is repeated throughout the song, serving as a reminder to trust in God's sovereignty and to find rest in His love. The song acknowledges the struggles and difficulties that we face in this life, but it also encourages us to look beyond our current circumstances and to find hope in God's promises.
The first verse of the song sets the tone for the rest of the lyrics:
"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"
These words remind us that God is with us in every trial and that we can trust Him to provide for our needs and guide us through life's challenges. The second verse continues this theme:
"Be still my soul
Thy best, thy heavenly Friend
Through thorny ways
Leads to a joyful end"
Here, the song emphasizes the importance of having a close relationship with God and trusting in His plan for our lives. Even when we face difficult and painful situations, we can find joy and peace in knowing that God is leading us towards His ultimate purpose for us.
The chorus of the song repeats the phrase "be still my soul" and adds the following lines:
"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"
These words remind us that God is in control of our lives and that we can trust Him to guide us through the unknown future. Even when we don't understand why certain things are happening in our lives, we can have confidence in God's love and faithfulness. The final verse of the song echoes this sentiment:
"Be still my soul
The waves and winds still know
His voice who ruled them
While He dwelt below"
Here, the song acknowledges that Jesus has power over the storms of life and that we can find rest and peace in Him. No matter what we are facing, we can trust in His love and know that He is with us always.
Inspiration and Story behind "Be Still My Soul"
The inspiration for "Be Still My Soul" comes from a hymn called "Stille, mein Wille" by Finnish composer Jean Sibelius. The original version of the hymn was in German and was based on a poem by Katharina von Schlegel. The hymn became popular in Finland and was eventually translated into English by American hymn writer Jane Laurie Borthwick.
Don Moen, a Christian worship leader and songwriter, learned the hymn from his mother, who had sung it to him as a lullaby when he was a child. Moen was struck by the hymn's message of peace and rest in God's love and decided to record his own version of the song.
Moen's version of "Be Still My Soul" was released on his album "Hymnbook" in 1986. The song quickly became popular among Christians and has since been recorded by many other artists. Today, it is considered a classic hymn of comfort and assurance and is often sung at funerals and other solemn occasions.
Bible Verses References in "Be Still My Soul"
The lyrics of "Be Still My Soul" are based on several Bible verses that speak to the theme of finding rest and peace in God's love. Here are a few examples:
- Psalm 46:10 - "Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth." This verse emphasizes the importance of quieting our hearts and minds in order to hear God's voice and to trust in His sovereignty.
- Psalm 23:4 - "Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me." This verse reassures us that God is with us even in the darkest moments of our lives and that He will comfort and guide us.
- Isaiah 26:3 - "You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you." This verse reminds us that when we trust in God, He will give us peace and stability in the midst of life's storms.
Practical Application for Christian Living
So how can we apply the message of "Be Still My Soul" to our daily lives as Christians? Here are a few practical suggestions:
- Practice stillness: In order to hear God's voice and to find rest in His love, we need to make time for stillness and quiet in our lives. This might mean setting aside time each day for prayer and meditation, or simply taking a few moments to breathe deeply and focus on God's presence.
- Trust in God's sovereignty: When we face difficult situations, it can be tempting to try to take control and fix things ourselves. But the message of "Be Still My Soul" reminds us that God is in control and that we can trust Him to guide us through even the most challenging circumstances.
- Cultivate a close relationship with God: Just as the song emphasizes the importance of having a close relationship with God, we too should strive to deepen our connection with Him. This might involve reading the Bible regularly, attending church and other Christian gatherings, and seeking out opportunities for spiritual growth.
- Find joy in the journey: Finally, the message of "Be Still My Soul" reminds us that even in the midst of difficult and painful situations, we can find joy and peace in knowing that God is leading us towards His ultimate purpose for us. By focusing on this larger perspective, we can find comfort and hope even in the midst of life's storms.
In conclusion, "Be Still My Soul" is a beautiful hymn of comfort and assurance that speaks to the deep longing for peace and rest that we all feel at times. By reminding us to trust in God's sovereignty and to find joy in the journey, this song offers a powerful message of hope and encouragement for Christians around the world.
![Be Still My Soul Lyrics - Don Moen]()
