“Be still, my soul...”

We’ve been singing a favorite hymn repeatedly these days. It’s Jona’s favorite hymn – and the one he was trying to sing when gasping for breath after his dad resuscitated him ten days ago...

Yesterday we had a wonderful time as extended family, singing hymns. As we prepared to start, Jona requested Be Still, My Soul – and tried to sing through the oxygen mask...

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: 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 blessèd we shall meet at last.

Words: Katharina von Schlegel, 1752
Music: Jean Sibelius, 1899

We love this hymn text more than ever now. The Lord has used this hymn to minister repeatedly to me. I posted it on this blog in July of 2010 one year into this trial...

Please continue to pray for us...

Pray fervently tonight...