A Place of Rest

Whenever I get upset about anything at all in my life, I need a place to go to settle myself and get back in touch with what's really important. That place is usually surrounded and infused with music. The Creator knew what he was doing when He introduced music into the world choosing to bestow that gift on certain souls who would bequeath to us music that uplifts and sustains us in our joys and sorrows. Such is the following. One of the most beautiful renderings of this poem can be heard here   Read the words as you listen.

               Be Still My Soul

               By Katharina Schlegel (1697 – 1768)

               Music by Jean Sebelius from his Finlandia

               Based on Psalm 46:10

               Be still, my soul: the Lord is on your side. 

               Bear patiently thy 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 will undertake 

               to guide the future, as in ages past. 

               Thy hope, your confidence let nothing shake; 

               all now mysterious shall be bright at last. 

               Be still, my soul: the waves and winds still know 

               the Christ who ruled them while He dwelt below. 

               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. 

We all have bad days. If today is one of those for you, I hope this helps. If not, I hope when you do have troubles, you're able to recall the balm of these words.

Image: Free Digital Photos