Be Still My Soul

And now for an unprecedented second blog in one day.

At the end of the century, Finland was enjoying the works of its greatest composer, Jean Sibelius (1865-1957). It was also trying to survive its Russian occupation, its people in great oppression. In this time of turmoil, Sibelius composed what was to become his most recognizable work: Finlandia. This was a poem to the country he loved. On July 2, 1900 it debuted, and became the voice of the people desperately loving their beloved Finland and wanting to be free from the oppression of the Russian Czar. In times of political unrest, the people were forbidden to perform Finlandia, a testament to its power among the people.

The piece itself begins in great turmoil, begins to move, quiets down to one of the most beautiful melodies I've ever heard, and concludes with the same melody in great triumph. It became well known around the world, eventually prompting lyricists to take the gorgeous melody and add words. Finland has its own lyrics for the song, but the lyrics I always think of are those of the hymn Be Still My Soul. Right now I think it is my favorite hymn of all time because of its beauty of melody AND lyrics. Get a hold of Finlandia to hear it in its original glory. Here are the lyrics for Be Still My Soul.


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.

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 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.

Be still, my soul: begin the song of praise
On earth, believing, to Thy Lord on high;
Acknowledge Him in all thy words and ways,
So shall He view thee with a well pleased eye.
Be still, my soul: the Sun of life divine
Through passing clouds shall but more brightly shine.