We sang this hymn during worship on Sunday. There were several of us, myself included, who had to stop singing at one point or other. The hymn was too good. It expressed too well the nature of this life. It's a hymn for those who bump up against the darkness of this life - and there is much darkness. But while the hymn understands the darkness it does not give in to it. There is, after all, hope. Jesus walks with us through this dark valley and promises to bring us out into a brightness that we cannot imagine. In the meantime we exhort our souls to be still and not agitated or anxious or fearful. A better day is coming. Jesus promised.
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 ev'ry change he faithful will remain.
Be still, my soul: thy best, thy heav'nly 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 hast'ning on
When we shall be for ever 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.