Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him.
-Psalm 37:7
Be still, and know that I am God.
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth!
-Psalm 46:10
Be still my soul, be still. Katharina A. von Schlegel, the writer of this hymn, gives us many gifts in these words I carry around with me. Last week, I visited a chapel in New Jersey, a building about as old as these lyrics. I wandered into the dim, resonant space on that bright, autumn afternoon. The pews were empty but for a few folks milling about on the outside aisles. As I found my way to a well-worn bench toward the middle, I began to trace the storylines of the painted glass in the arched ceilings above my head.
I marveled at the commitment of architectural design, artistic gifts, the time and resources it must have taken to create a place like this. Such beauty ushered me into stillness and conversation with God. An organist played hymns intermittently on the organ pipes, and each time he finished one, the room imploded into stunning silence. No applause. No cheers. No audible response necessary.
Life is noisy. A hymn like “Be Still My Soul” gives me assurance that in the noise of life, my soul is held secure in the silence—silence that goes before and behind me. In the noise of my emotions or in daily work rhythms, the silence between the happenings is a constant. The silence helps me find my place in the world, to see who I am, and it makes space for my soul to listen to God. Even in the most joyful tones of life, as in music, the space between the notes is just as important as the notes themselves.
Hebrew scholar Ellen Davis translates the first verse of Psalm 65 in this way:
“To you, O God, silence is praise.”
Silence is praise? You mean I don’t have to say or prove anything? I can just be here, be who I am, where I am, and let the silence envelop me?
Like Job’s declaration of God’s goodness in spite of his personal losses (Job 1:21), Katharina echoes:
“Be still, my soul, your Jesus can repay,
from his own fullness, all he takes away.”
These are challenging and comforting words, strung disruptively close together. The challenging part is the reminder that we are not the ones in control. If space is a kind of loss, the comfort of the stanza is this: like music notes on a page, we ought to submit ourselves to receive both the notes themselves (like joy) and the space between the notes (like loss) before God.
He, in His fullness, is the Great Composer of our souls, moving us in and out of seasons, giving and taking away. Using both space and melody, He composes our lives into a symphony far more dynamic and beautiful than we ever could have written for ourselves.
Admittedly, we can’t always hear the music that is being written in us. Sometimes, the people around us can hear the song more easily than we can. It’s then that we need our friends to sing it for us and sing it to us.
In a hymn such as “Be Still My Soul,” in both space and melody, we are instructed in the practice of silence and the symphony of grace. We are encouraged to “be still before the Lord and wait patiently for Him” (Psalm 37:7). And we are invited to “begin the song of praise.”
____
Sandra McCracken is a singer, songwriter and producer from Nashville, TN. Over the course of nine critically acclaimed studio albums, Sandra has developed a body of work that encompasses hook-driven melodic pop, No Depression-style Americana, contemporary recastings of classic hymns, and even children’s music as part of the Nashville alt-folk super-group Rain For Roots. Her new album, Psalms, was released this spring.
Be Still My Soul
words by Katharina A. von Schlegel, 1752
trans by Jane L. Borthwick, 1855
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 blessèd 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.
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146 thoughts on "Be Still, My Soul"
Dear God, thank you for all you are. Thank you for this reminder, especially leaving this year and going into the next. Dear God, help me to be still and know that you’ve got me. Dear God, lead my way! Amen!
This spoke to me so strongly. I hear you, God.
Thank you, Sandra for penning with such attunement to His heart.
My soul needed this reminder
5Commit your way to the Lord;
trust in him, and he will act.
Thanks, I needed this today.
One of my all-time favorite hymns. This is my go-to hymn when I feel my soul growing anxious over a situation or when I am growing selfishly angry over something. Usually, by the end of the first stanza, I have quieted down and remembered that God is in control and has the situation well in hand. I would love to know Ms. von Schlegel’s back story and how she was inspired to write such a powerful reminder.
Thank you for sharing these timely words of being still and listening to His voice and savoring those quiet moments
As I watch a sweet friend deal with a type of loss, this hymn reminds me that He will restore us. He will provide. We must be patient and still.
I truly appreciate this post. I’ve been looking everywhere for this! Thank goodness I found it on Google. You’ve made my day! Thanks again..
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We are so quick to keep busy with prayer and good deeds, that we forget to be still and bask in the presence of our Father, who needs nothing of our attention, but rejoices in it. Our stillness in His presence is for our blessing and reassurance of the love that our Good Father has towards us. This song is a great reminder to take time in our busy days to stop and be still, down to our souls.
This was beautiful! It’s important we take to still our souls before God.
Wow. I needed this so much. Thank you, Sandra. Like another lady said, I have been praying about an issue for years with no real resolve. I really feel that God has seen my persistence and knows my desire for how the issue will work out, and now requires me to be still, wait, trust, and even to be quiet about it.
Sandra, what beautiful, stirring words. Much to reflect on and embrace. Thankful for your thoughts.
I struggle with the concept of stillness and silence. Please God, quiet my mind so I can hear you.
So do I. I feel like I do all the talking and I want to listen, I just can’t stay still
A few years ago I had been praying desperately for months for something, when I came across Psa 37. A footnote in my Bible said v. 7 could also be translated, “Be silent before the Lord.” I realized I was praying so “loudly” I hadn’t stopped to truly hear God’s answer. It was a life-altering realization for me. The silence wouldn’t be there without the prayer first, but it was just as important as the prayer itself. God did guide – and not in the way I had “wanted” – which was the fear that had kept me from listening to His answer in the first place. But the silence was a place of submission, and when I was humble, He could change my desires. Thank you for the reminder. I love this hymn.
Thank you Lord, for Your friendship, Your peace, Your faithfulness. It’s not understanding that I need, nor answers to my questions, Lord, it is You. And, You are enough…in the space, in the loss, and in the joy. You. Are. Enough.
The time and setting during when I was able to read the in the middle of my busy day was too perfect to describe. I am so blessed to have a God who plans moments like that in my life for me to have one day and enjoy like a child getting a surprise even though it’s not their birthday or Christmas. I am so thankful for she reads truth!
Much needed. Things have gotten very busy as a sophomore. It is good to know we have God in the stillness. And that He is also there when it gets busy.
This is such a comfort. Silence and stillness in the presence of the Lord.
Help me Lord to meditate on your beautiful silence. May I be peaceful and wait patiently for you. Thank you that we can come to you and worship you, even in silence.
I know God wanted me to read these Psalms at this
oh so very early hour this morning. I really needed to hear them in this very loud and frustrating week.
So earso s
It’s a hard road to be single some days. To fight all that the world tells us we need to be significant, to have an “other.” Couples, love, marriage, family is not only blasted to us by the world…..but I step into church and feel the same.
Between online dating, being introduced to random friends of friends, and wanting to one day be married…..the noise of the Christian dating scene at times can be deafening. It can be rather discouraging, but God reminds me always He is bigger than the circumstances, and bigger than failures, and He’s on my side. Such a beautiful picture “be still before God….because He’s on my side.”
He’s on your side too. Don’t give up my single friends. We just need to be still…
Well said… Thank you
I love “To you, O God, silence is praise.” As a member of my worship team there is such healing power between songs where the room is silent. Take advantage worshippers of these intimate moments with Christ.
This was one of the loveliest things to read for my soul. Thank you very much.
There is also an amazing cover of this song by a band called PAGE CXVI, I encourage you to listen to it. God is so so good.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f79VVBt6W4A
Here is the link.
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This was really good and challenging – especially because I’m a singer/musician/worship and I’m constantly surrounded by music and sound and noise. It is so good and necessary to sometimes choose to be in intentional silence, and to worship from that place of having nothing before God. No voice, no words, nothing to prove.
*worship leader
I loved this and thank you so much ~
Such needed truth tonight as details from Paris continue to come in; even in chaos and madness and terror, God is unchanging. He will truly love anyone home.
(Also, this hymn had me singing through Amanda Cook’s recent album Brave New World–one of the most worshipful, introspective albums I’ve known. Highly, highly recommended.)
My thoughts as well today, in light of Paris
I’m also a day behind, but I have been loving this hymns study! I couldn’t quite remember the melody of this hymn, so I searched and found this:
http://youtu.be/hqgC1tqifV8
So beautiful! This might be my “new favorite” old hymn!
Are these beautiful hymns set to music somewhere on SRT?
I found this today! And it’s really beautiful:
http://youtu.be/hqgC1tqifV8
I’m a day behind but man, I needed to hear this post. Every verse, every line…incredible. Thank you, Jesus, for meeting me right where I am at.
I often yearn for silence in my noisy days. No kids screaming (in delight or frustration), no TV on, no music blaring, no one talking…just silence. This is a wonderful reminder that my soul NEEDS silence so I can sit still before the Lord and focus on Him. I can sit before Him in trust, knowing that He has everything in control and I don’t need to do anything but sit. As one who tends to worry and want to fix everything, aka control freak, how wonderful is that? Thank you, Jesus!
The spoke to my heart. Sometime I feel I’ve needed to hear for a long time. Praise!
This post spoke to me! Right now my marriage is in turmoil and falling apart. My husband has moved out and isn’t sure he wants to remain married. The 3rd verse that talks about when dearest friends depart, really spoke to me. I know that in this time I will truly know His heart and His love!
Praying for you Candace- may God’s peace be ever present during this time. May God do a miraculous work in your marriage and bring you back together.
Praying for you and your husband this morning, Candace! Praying for a miracle of complete restoration!
I have just started reading this book and am learning so many things about myself, my husband, our marriage, and how God has designed us. Maybe you might be helped and encouraged by it too?
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1943846146/ref=olp_product_details?ie=UTF8&me
Praying for you! My husband and I divorced in October 2014. I know that pain all too well. However in February 2015, he received Christ as His Savior and our marriage was able to be restored. Do not give up hope! God is working. Never mistake His silence in a situation for absence. Praying hard for you and your marriage.
Tina my sister lost her son 8 years ago November 23. She relives everything every year at this time. She loves the Lord and lives for Him. I pray that she He will give her that peace that you now have.
It has been 24 years for me since my little boy passed. Every fall is difficult…. This beautiful hymn and devotional is so healing.
Praying for you and all the others who have lost children that you would feel God’s peace and continue to be healed by his perfect love.
First off, let me just say that I am loving this plan! It’s so beautiful and refreshing to connect our hymnals back to where their words first originated. Second, after a day like today, I was about to let the anger and frustration of things that are out of my control get the best of me, and then I read this. I read and reread the words, letting them soak into my soul and allow myself to be still in the Lord and relinquish control to the One who really is the One conducting my song. God is Good and Stillness is Peace.
with the hustle and bustle of the holidays coming up, I needed this more than ever today. I need to remember to stop and just listen and take some time to sit and be silent
So much needed the reminder that silence is a God given gift too! God is ever weaving a beautiful tapestry amidst the ebb and flow and silences of this life! It’s a beautiful hymn to reflect upon His great love for us! Thank you for the blessing and word today!
I have always loved this hymn and the reminder of how magnificent God is and how our words can never fully explain how great He is. I am a pastor’s wife in the San Francisco Bay Area, an area that is busy and believers find it hard to rest in God. We have two young boys, my youngest with special needs, and Monday I was placed on strict bed rest due to complications with our youngest babe not yet born. What a great reminder to be still and trust in Him. Thank you. God is ever faithful to provide. I sit amazed.
How do you be still when you know He is on your side, but don’t feel like He is anymore – it’s been over a year of unanswered prayers to get my joy back and for a situation to get better, but yet each day seems to get harder and harder and I don’t know how much longer I can take the pain. I know His truth in my head, but my heart is hurting.
My husband and I have been on, and in some ways are still on a journey of wrought with hardship…but what transformed us is relying on His truth alone, not how we feel, not because the situations have changed. But His word, and in doing that, our focus is on Him…strongholds were broken, our perspective changed that our lives are not dictated by what we see, how we feel, lives in order…but in God’s Word. That never changes, and His promises are all we need.
I don’t want to pretend to have all the answers, because I definitely don’t. Reading your comment and question really pulled at my heart though, because I too have been there. I don’t know your circumstances, but I do know that God sees our pain, feels it with us, and weaves a golden path of purpose for that suffering down the road. He never leaves any ugly thing untransformed to beauty in time, if we surrender them to him– and I’ve seen my share of ugliness. As to your question: the best ways I have found to be still while enduring pain (both physical and emotional), are 1) Constant prayer. Always seeking the refuge of prayer in my mind, when I’m in the midst of agony or strife. 2) Fully giving over control and seeking to release, which in my experience results in peace. 3) Reminding myself of God’s truth, through scripture and community.
Praying for you lady, that God would sustain you through this time and delight you with the beauty on the other side. *hug*
God will never just allow your heart to be toyed with. Maybe what He is truly asking if you is that you have that patience. So many men and woman had to have patience and wait on the plan of the Lord. Think about Abraham and Sarah waiting for a child, as well as Elizabeth? And all the times Israel waited on God to deliver them? He has fulfilled all His promises according to His will over and over, as well as the healing He has done in my life. God wants your heart, not just your words. He wants everything. I went through a long time in life with out healing. Remain in prayer diligently and seek out someone to speak to who is positive and will encourage you. Speak to God daily, and slowly He will reveal things to you. You need to have faith that no matter what happens God is using your tests and trails to become and beautiful testimony. He is working behind the scenes constantly, never stopping. Do not forget His abundant love for you that no man can comprehend. The devil will try and make you feel stuck even if you are not! Look up Psalm 91, Psalm 121, and Psalm 34. All beautiful, and all about surrendering to His will and how when we seek Him, He does hear us. He never stops being God, He never changes. Praying tonight for you Woody.
Tina, Stacey, Sarah, all dear sisters – heart and prayer with you – and to Sandra, thanks. This hymn was played at the processional for both my parents’ funerals, less than a year apart – and has been following me around the last few days. Blessing, peace, breath – and tears. To make room. Here is a version I love: https://m.soundcloud.com/trinitymusic-1
“Love never fails.” This verse from 1 Cor 13 hangs on my wall as a constant, steady reminder of His great love for me. As of late, my mind has been reminding my heart that “God is love.” & “God never fails.” My weary soul has needed these reminders like the air I breathe.
My life is good and I am grateful. But I find myself in a silent season. And try as I may, I can’t seem to find God in my circumstances. So I fill in the silence with my own noise. Yet it was the words of Psalm 46:10 that led me to seek and learn to be still before God. Many months later, I am still learning. The quiet is at times unbearable. And so I cling to the promise that “God never fails.” I feel failure. I feel lack. I feel ingratitude. But God never fails. He is for me. He gives in abundance. He fills my soul with gratitude when I open my eyes to His glory all around. And I am reminded again to be still, cease striving, stop fighting and *know* He is God. He is good. He is with me. Always with me.
Love your words Beverly! I fill in he silence with my own noise. …. So true. It’s so hard in these seasons of lack, failure and ingratitude to do that, but I am with you resting in being still, to cease striving! ~ B
“the noise of my emotions” sisters, I want to be transparent, so I’m laying this out there for prayer… this hymn is the story of my struggle. all my life I have either sung loud and boisterous praise with singing and dancing around the throne or dressed myself in virtual sack cloth while trudging forward to a dirge. sisters, I have by polar disorder. please, pray that I will allow God to still my soul and mood in the “in between” places. that I will accept and find peace, in the pendulum of my life and not be dissatisfied with the silence between laughter and tears. to everything there is a season and a time for every purpose under heaven”, “be still my soul”.
Bi Polar Disorder
I absolutely love all the hymns done by Chelsea Moon and the Franz Brothers. There are two albums and some videos on YouTube as well. Be Still My Soul is a hidden track on their album Hymn Project Vol. 2. Here is one of my favorites on YouTube
Chelsea Moon with the Franz Brothers – What Wondr…: http://youtu.be/1g26dbNJYJI
I’m so thankful for this morning of stillness. The mornings before this morning were anything but still. They were angry, frustrated mornings. They were angry, frustrated mornings because I wasn’t hearing whispers I wanted to hear.
I’m so thankful that this morning, in the stillness, I heard whispers He wanted me to hear.
I’m so thankful.
So good. What a blessing for you!
So thankful to hear about your peaceful morning, Amy! Praying His truth continues to seep through the rest of your day. Thanks for joining us today.
I love whispers! Isn’t it amazing that the great creator of the universe catches us with whispers! Amazing! Prayerful every day this week is profound in his whispers over you! ~ B
Hey SRT She’s, prayers appreciated for me.
Being still. Being patient, Right now for me this is so hard. I have been out of school these past three days(and a total of 12 days non-consecutively in the school year) with dizziness from a concussion I got in 2012. The frustrating thing is that this has happened before. In ninth grade I was out of school basically the whole year. 10th grade was much better, having got the treatment I needed. But now it’s back again. I’m just so frustrated with God that this is happening again. I already went through it so why do I have to go through the same thing again? I want to have a normal day at school and see my friends and not always be trying to makeup schoolwork from being sick. I’m sick of being sick. I need to be still, but how can I? I have to work on trying to catch up on school. But then I can’t because I’m dizzy. I shouldn’t be even complaining, because I know there are worse this that are happening in this world. I need to try and be Still. He will all more brightly shine through the darkness. Be still. Be still. Be still. He will use this somehow. I need to just trust. It’s just so hard. ….prayers appreciated.
Praying for you, Sarah, that you are able to be still.
Sending prayers your way, Sarah. May God grant you peace and freedom from your dizziness.
Cry out to him Sarah, and tell God your feelings… that’s what he wants us to do,then just sit for a bit, and see if He stills your whole being : ) Prayers!!
Sarah, I am praying for you. As I get older I am realizing that the things in our day to day life that seem so very important are not so important when you think on how they relate to our eternity. To bring up another hymn “Turn your eyes upon Jesus…and the things of earth will grow strangely dim in the light of His glory and grace”. All I’m saying is try not to let yourself get too stressed out about all the catching up you know you will have to do. If God is allowing this to happen He can bring glory through it. Maybe there is someone around you who will be inspired by seeing how you handle your situation with grave and with trust in God that he will help you through. Maybe by your testimony and life that other person can come to know and trust Christ as well. And then you will have helped to grow the Kingdom. :). I will remover you in my prayers that you can keep faith and remain strong!!
Praying for you, sweet friend. Thanks for trusting us with this. Asking God to bring stillness to your spirit today.
xoxo-Kaitlin
I have tears in my eyes. A good friend of my husband’s passed away quite young a few months ago. In the week after his death, this hymn was on my mind 24/7. I sang it constantly, crying as I did. It was my prayer when my broken heart didn’t have anything to say.
I guess I shouldn’t have been surprised when this hymn was sung at his funeral. It was both heartbreaking and comforting.
“Be still my soul, when dearest friends depart…
Be still, my soul: when change and tears are past
All safe and blessèd we shall meet at last.”
I look forward to seeing him again.
What a beautiful thing for the Holy Spirit to give you this song! Thanks for sharing this. Surely God is with you in your mourning.
Thanks for sharing…
Emily, it’s so poignant that this hymn brings such comfort to us in grief. May your souls continue to be stilled by His Truth. Looking toward hope with you!
xoxo-Kaitlin
Right now I am practising “be still” and it does help to submit in silence. After a cancer diagnosis for my Mom last week we are waiting and looking for more news on Friday of this week. There is a feeling of peace in a sense for me and sometimes I’m questioning why that is? Shouldn’t I be upset all the time? I just really feel like the strongest and most worthwhile thing I can do is to give it up to Him …leave it in his hands…show love and support to others..
Elisabeth, when I find myself in unexplained peace, I can only point to the Holy Spirit! Praying God continues to keep you in perfect peace and asking Him to cover your family in His strength.
Thanks for sharing with us today!
xoxo-Kaitlin
prays for you and your mom. know where you’re at. I was waiting for the same results one year ago. I did have cancer. I did have a mastectomy. And God was merciful. My prognosis is good. And I believe you should live in and share the peace that you have. I know the peace that my loved ones had on my behalf was an incredible gift and God’s way of reassuring me. Allow yourself the stillness and it will be a blessing.
I love “silence is praise”. I am reminded of a meditation shared with me that I use often based on Psalm 46:10…
Be still and know that I am God
Be still and know that I am
Be still and know
Be still
Be
This is beautiful. Thank you, Donna Maria. <3
Be Still … for a fixer this is a tough place. Yesterday was one of those parenting days that leaves you feeling that you are an utter failure because nothing went as planned and your little folk didn’t exactly abound in obedience. It was a day I fell asleep thankful for new mornings and new mercies and “do-overs”. Thankful that upon waking today I was renewed and able to show love and speak to these wee ones about grace and mercy and love because I don’t always get it right, I don’t always know the answers and I don’t always have the right reaction, but this … “Be Still” is so peace inducing, so comforting because it’s really that simple. In those moments that I just want to throw my hands up, I can just be still and know, be still and pray, be still …. These kiddos are more God’s than my own and just as I know He will never leave me, He will never leave them. So on those days I don’t know what to say, what consequence to give, what to teach or how to respond, I can find comfort in knowing that God does, my only “need do” is to be still … ~ B
I love that, B — these kiddos are more God’s than our own!
Boy can I relate to this! Prayer is such a strong comfort and help for this Momma!
” Be still my soul, when dearest friends depart…” I know this well, the feeling of dear friends departing too soon from this world. You know what this made me think of, people like to say “be still my heart!” in the midst of joy or tragedy. But that has always seemed weird to me, like how can my heart be still, it’s beating violently with everything I FEEL! But we have this hope which is an anchor for our SOUL…regardless of how my heart feels in the wake of loss.
Be still my soul, that my heart might be silent, no matter how I feel.
Be still my soul.
That, as the author wrote so beautifully, He might compose our lives into a symphony more beautiful than we could ever write ourselves. Amen.
Here’s a version of the hymn that won’t soon leave me: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=hqgC1tqifV8
So beautiful–thank you, Kylee! This version brought me to tears this morning!
Beautiful! Thank you for sharing
Sometimes I struggle to be still (you find that shocking, I know). When I have poured out my heart to God about a particular issue, I get impatient. If I don’t see Him at work immediately in the situation, I tend to… well… fret. I wrestle with things myself and my worrying invariably leads to my trying to DO something about the circumstances. And there’s the trouble… because when I take things into my own hands, running ahead of God, nothing good comes from that.
It’s easy for me to get frustrated, especially when it comes to my kids. I see the influences they are faced with every day and it can be overwhelming. Evil seems to be everywhere and there are a hundred different voices telling them to do and be something completely different from what God wants for them. It’s enough to make a mama sick with worry. How can I possibly compete with all of that when I have only a few short hours a day with them each day? How do I balance my responsibility as a parent to train them up in the Lord with the need to let them work out their own salvation with fear and trembling? Is my “guidance” nurturing, or is it bullying? I’m constantly stressing over whether I’ve said enough… or too much. Seriously… I can obsess with the best of them. And into the chaotic frenzy of my mind, He says to me, “Be still and know that I am God.”
Today, I’m choosing to heed His words…
“Trust in the LORD, and do good;
dwell in the land and befriend faithfulness.
Delight yourself in the LORD,
and he will give you the desires of your heart.” (Psalm 37:3-4)
I know that this desire of my heart for my children to have a deep and abiding relationship with Christ is from God. He has promised that if I’m delighting myself in Him, He will align my wants with His will. This verse is packed with promise.
“Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him;
fret not yourself over the one who prospers in his way,
over the man who carries out evil devices!
Refrain from anger, and forsake wrath!
Fret not yourself; it tends only to evil.” (Psalm 37:7-8)
The last line of verse 8 is speaking to me this morning… “Fret not yourself; it tends only to evil.” I’m guilty of focusing on the enemy, instead of rehearsing the faithfulness of my God… and when I do that, I am putting myself in a dangerous position. Matthew Henry says, “A fretful, discontented spirit is open to many temptations”, and I know this to be true. Much better to trust… to be still and know – truly KNOW – that He is God, and more than capable of handling the things that concern me.
I think it’s time to shut up and look up.
Heather, you echo what’s in my heart a lot; am I leading my kid by spiritual example, or pushing her too much and not letting her decide for herself? I teeter the line daily. But we live in a results-oriented society that even trickles into our prayers; we want to SEE something change once we have made our requests known to God but the fact is? He already knew what was worrying you. He already knows what your kids need. And He’s so loving, He graciously waits for us to be still and let Him move — this is what I speak to myself, that even if I can’t SEE him at work in my life, He still is orchestrating events on our behalf to work out situations for our good, because we trust in Him. Rest in His promises and speak them over your kids, I do when mine is sleeping and when she is at school. It’s helped me remember God is working even when the evidence stacks against that notion. Praying for your momma heart today. ❤️
<3
Thank you for your reminder.
Good words for me today. Have just confronted precious daughter with alcohol abuse and risky behavior and have had to watch her cling to lies that have been hiding the truth. She’s away at college and been pulled in with a toxic set of non-Xn friends. It is crushes my heart. We are just beginning to work through the ramifications, but I have spent most of my time grieving the deceit, fretting about her soul, and just this morning find myself being carried up with anger. I get these devotionals in my inbox and randomly read them. Rarely do I come over to the comment section. So glad I did today as it seems the Lord has given me a word through your response. Thank you. I am reminded to be still and dwell on the faithfulness of God, of the work that He alone is capable of doing.
I’ll pray for your daughter Paula! The world offers all kinds of enticing influence for our kids, doesn’t it? Praying they would choose that which is GOOD and leave the rest.
Thank you so much, Kylee. Your prayers are a great encouragement.
Praying for you and your daughter this morning, Paula. Prayers for peace and for truth to penetrate deep into her soul and open her eyes to the goodness of the gospel and the grace of Jesus, and that she would find her identity in him!
Thank you, Kellie. Just that…that she would allow the truth to penetrate deep into the hidden places and that she would accept the grace and work of Jesus as the only way out and the only place for identity. Yes. Your prayer is a guide to me this day as I pray for her. There is hope. She has put herself under pastoral care. We pray the chaplain will speak God’s truth into her life and that she will have ears to hear. I am so encouraged to have you and Kylee praying with me today. Blessings.
Love this Heather! This is how I feel as well.
Just throwing this out there : received the SRT Psalms of Gratitude study pack. AWESOME! As my granddaughter would say, “WOW!” Beautiful guide – it even smells good lol Great work, SRT team! Looking forward to this next study!!
Agreed Churchmouse, I got mine yesterday & it is a BEAUT!
Psalm 101 wrong scripture references.
Hi Gina! We had a little mix-up in posting today’s reading. The additional references are Psalm 62:5-8, Psalm 107:28-35.
Psalm 101? Anyone know what it’s suppose to be?
Hi friends. Sorry about the mix-up! The additional references are Psalm 62:5-8, Psalm 107:28-35.
I was lead to listen to Kari Jobe’s Be Still and as the Holy Spirit moved me from worship song to worship song (currently listening to Elevation Worship’s Give My life to You, I felt the Spirit prompt me to the SRT site..I was beelining for the Philippian’s study but came across today’s devotional..and no surprise that it’s perfectly timed and God has provided Bread to sustain me today – Psalm 37:3-9
Be Still. This has been one of the hardest things to learn in my faith journey. I can read God’s word, sit and talk through a bible study, worship and soak in a good sermon at church… but to simply Be Still and listen? That is hard for my searching, often restless soul. I think that also is the reason I lean towards the “act now, pray after” approach to life. I am really trying to become a “First, Pray” person, and that would be so much more likely if I increased that “Be Still and Know” time with God. Thank you for the reminder that the silence is just as important as the music.
Hello! I just wanted to let you know I think the reference for Psalm 101 is wrong. Psalm 101 only has 8 verses. What is the correct passage?
I had the same thought too. Trying to figure it out! Maybe Psalm 101:4-6?
Whoops I hadn’t gotten to the second passage listed under Psalm 101. Nevermind, sorry!
Hi friends. Sorry about the mix-up! The additional references are Psalm 62:5-8, Psalm 107:28-35.
xoxo-Kaitlin
Beautiful hymn, beautiful words today. So encouraging, I have nothing to add but Kari Jobe singing this wonderful song. In every change, He faithful will remain. Be blessed! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mq59iE3MhXM
That is my favorite line in this hymn also: In every change, He faithful will remain. It is so comforting to know that even when I flounder and change like the wind, God is faithful.
Her version is beautiful.
It’s always busy with three littles, but the past few weeks have had added emotional pressure and time commitments. As I struggle through a lack of emotional release and time to simply be I am reminded to BE STILL. Oh how I long for a day to be physically and spiritually quiet before Him. But life continues, and I must listen for the Spirit’s whispers in the quiet between the many notes of my day.
Thank you, Sandra.
God gave me just what I needed to hear this morning. You see, last night we got “the call” from my parents. My dad has cancer. We are still waiting to hear what stage and what the process is going to look like. I needed this reminder to “be still” during this time. To know that God has this and no busyness can even equate to God taking care of this, of my dad. Be still. He is whispering this to me. Be still.
Will be praying strength and comfort for you and your family this morning. ♥
Stacey, I am fairly new to SRT and I have never commented before, but your comment stirred in my heart. I, too, have received “the call” regarding both of my parents. look for the “grace” moments leading up to the diagnosis and throughout the treatment. One such moment came for me about a month prior to finding out Dad’s cancer had returned. We were able to go on a cruise with my parents and one of my sibling’s family. The weather was horrid, but it gave us almost a week of time with my dad that I wouldn’t have had. God was gracious to turn a vacation upside down to give us time. My dad passed less than 3 months later. I will pray for your dad and for the entire family as you travel the road of cancer.
Praying for your dad , Stacey, and all of your family as you walk through the valley. May you feel His presence right alongside.
Stacey, praying for you this morning. I had that call about my mom as well. It is a journey no one should have to go through, but I will say it did truly bring me home; not only physically back to my parents, but after living an empty, shallow life, back to God. Without faith, we would not have gotten through that ordeal. I pray for your peace, comfort, and God’s grace in your own journey. One of the thoughts that I hung on to is that cancer is not the death sentence that it was years ago. Modern medicine (and prayer) are astounding! I’m not sure how SRT looks at exchanging personal information, but I am also part of an organization called Imerman Angels, which provides 1-on-1 cancer support in the form of a mentor matching process (with the same type and stage of cancer as a loved one has). This was an incredible resource and support for my family when my mom was sick. I know it’s early but if you feel like you need any additional help, please reach out to me. My email is [email protected].
Psalm 101????? Would love to have the verses that compliment this post.
I LOVE music. However, in the busyness of life, I have found a deep appreciation for the silence, the stillness, that forces me to focus on the here & now, using only God’s voice as my guide.
Hi Karla. We had a little mix-up in posting today’s reading. The additional references are Psalm 62:5-8, Psalm 107:28-35.
Life is noisy. A hymn like “Be Still My Soul” gives me assurance that in the noise of life, my soul is held secure in the silence—”
It’s silent! I’ve been awake sine the two o’clock hour. I can’t hear the breath of any other living being in this house. They are peacefully sleeping. In wakefulness, I’m thankful that the Lord brought my mind to Him, the need to pray for others and then an early start into His word. In this wee hour of the morning when all is silent, my mind is drawn to Him and not the cares of the day. Thankful that He is strengthening my relationship with Him, and drawing me further away from the things of this world. He can still my soul, even when going through a rebellious season of insomnia. My comfort is in Him.
I love your testimony! I will thank God today for how He carried you to this day and I will pray He will not only give you rest in your mind, but also, in His time, in your body through a good night rest! Love and blessings, xoxo, Sarah
PS: I love SRT (thanks for your work guys and thank You God, for creating this!) and I will pray for everyone who is in this study today
Thank you Sarah. It’s now 8:00pm and He has carried me through this day! So thankful that I was able to keep a smile on my face regardless, and that my joy was in Him! I appreciate your prayers.
What a timely reminder of God’s presence and sovereignty in my life and over all. I’ve been struggling to ‘be still’ and focus on Him. In spite of my circumstances, God is still with me and I’m reminded that He won’t forsake me. I may not understand why things are the way they are, but with God’s strength, I will wait patiently for Him.
I don’t know about others, but sometimes I have a hard time either waiting for Him to do His thing when I want to do my thing. I’m grateful for the reminder that being still and being patient in Him has the best outcome.
Praise You Lord for your word and your reminders.
I can relate, Tricia. I’m having a hard time waiting – I even spent the last week angry with Him – but heard whispers this morning, whispers that my carefully guarded heart is thawing; that I’m relaxing my grip, just a bit. It’s not the whisper I asked for, but definitely the whisper I needed. I’m continually amazed by how He knows exactly what it is I need, and speaks it to me when I’m ready to hear.
I’m thankful for your words this morning, Tricia.
Can I share something with you…
For the past ten years, this time of year, I have recounted, relived, recalled, remembered every last detail of the months and days leading up to my precious daughter being called home to be with the Lord…
This walk, in my mind, would begin from my birthday in late August through to November 8th…I would recall the things that were said, where we were, how we were, the hope we had, I would recall it all to mind…because for me these were vital to the event that would be marked on the 8th…
This year was different…this year the day arrived before I realised, through conversation with someone that I actually had totally not done any of that stuff…I had arrived at the 8th, in total peace, a peace that I believe only God can give….I probably have not described too deeply the effects of recalling, but trust me, I would go inward, become detached from friends, hid away in my grief, sit, remembering with tears streaming down my face….
To have got to this, this place of Peace and calm …could only have been from ‘…One who comes to soothe thy sorrow and thy fears..’
It’s been a long time coming, but God, without a doubt has been in my every step, every tear…He has been with me when I felt I could not go on, He has lifted me up when all I wanted to do was huddle in a corner, The Champion of my soul….
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…
Thank you Lord..Thank you…for everything… Thank you…
Praying the blessing of the Lord be with you all today…whatever your day looks like…hugs..xxx
Tina, thank you for sharing your heart. Your faith even in all that you have endured is a comfort; your peace felt deeply in your words. Praying for you and praising Him for you! Blessings to you as well.
God bless you Tina.
Hugs back too you Tina. Thank you Lord for this testimony of your faithfulness in walking Tina through season of soothing her sorrows.
Tina, how beautiful! Thank you for sharing, it spoke to my heart. Praise God from whom all blessings flow.
Sweet, sweet words!! Isn’t He so good to us? Even in the darkest of valleys, He is faithful. ♥♥♥
So grateful that the Lord we share gave you the great gift of His peace. Surely it passes all understanding and came upon you quietly, almost unrecognized, this year. I’m sure He sat quietly beside you in all the earlier days, in years past, those days of tremendous grief when all your words were lost and you were silent in your sorrow. And yet, He was there. Quiet. Almost unrecognized. Oh how He loves you, Tina. Oh how He loves.
Oh sweet Tina…wrapping my arms around you….huge hug!!! So thankful for the gift of peace that surpasses all understanding….so thankful for your testimony….so thankful for YOU!! Praying for you this morning ♥️ Blessings sister
So much love for you Tina, may you feel it from across the pond. Blessings on you sweet sister.
“It’s been a long time coming, but God, without a doubt has been in my every step, every tear…He has been with me when I felt I could not go on, He has lifted me up when all I wanted to do was huddle in a corner, The Champion of my soul….” Such beautiful words Tina! Prayerful over your days and so thankful that you have felt God’s presence in this season! Love to you! ~ B
You are so loved, Tina. He’s so very near to us in our brokenness isn’t He? What a friend, what a savior. Thank you Lord for the gift of your peace!
I’m so thankful for that peace, Tina. Thinking of you. Thankful for you.
Tina thank you so much for sharing your beautiful testimony. I rejoice with you in what our Faithful Father has done for you.
Could you please give us the correct Psalms for the last two scripture readings? Psalm 101 only has 8 verses, which means that both references are false. Thank you!
Glad I wasn’t the only one to notice this. I thought I had something wrong. Yes, please give the correct passages.
Good morning! We had a little mix-up in posting today’s reading. The additional references are Psalm 62:5-8, Psalm 107:28-35. Thanks for asking!
Sorry about that! Here are the correct references: Psalm 62:5-8, Psalm 107:28-35.
I love when Sandra writes for SRT.
We do too, Courtney! Thanks for joining us today!
xoxo-Kaitlin