Be Still My Soul (Finlandia) | story behind the hymn | hymn history | lyrics

A German nun wrote a wonderful hymn based on Psalm 46, and a century later a pious Scottish woman translated it into English. Years later still, a famous melody was matched to the words - and a classic hymn fell into place. How many people have been deeply encouraged and strengthened by this powerful song?

This episode is a special birthday present for Jennifer Patterson. Thank you Jennifer and Michael for your support of my channel!

Sources used for this video:
• Kenneth W. Osbeck. 101 Hymn Stories. 1985. Kregal Publications: Grand Rapids
• John Mclelland. The Ambassador Book of Great Hymn Stories. 1994. Ambassador Productions Ltd: Belfast
• Ian Bradley. The Penguin Book of Hymns. 1989. Penguin Group: London

LYRICS:
1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

#hymnhistory #christianmusic #Inspiration #TimelessHymns

[russellmcniff]

I heard this hymn at President Carter's funeral, which grasped my soul. My brother just went to the Lord on December 23rd and the words of this hymn is so comforting and supportive as I adjust to being the last of my siblings. I will forever attach this hymn to his precious memory.

[dianastevenson]

I've only just discovered this hymn, by hearing it sung so beautifully at President Carter's funeral in the National Cathedral, Washington. Such a beautiful rendition by the choir and orchestra! Now it's going through my mind all the time. RIP President Carter.

[rethaf]

I am so happy to hear this song! I too heard this song at President Carters funeral 😇 I love the words that God is always with us❤ I delicate this song to all in California 🙏

[jeaniesig]

My mother got sick in 2016 and was in the hospital. She had an aneurysm that we knew was going to take her life. I brought in my iPad and put this song on repeat! I laid it on her pillow and kept it on repeat. After a week she finally succumbed to the thing that would take her home. I believe she was ushered into the Holy of Holies with this song in her heart. Thank you for sharing this song and its history.

[janehonea]

The armed forces chorus drew my attention to this consoling hymn/prayer. Beautiful to be in communion with God thru verse and music. Finlandia offers the reverence these verses deserve. Thank you, Luke Powell for your soothing delivery of the history of the women and men responsible for this blessing. I told my pastor that I hope their is music in heaven like this and I am a witness of that chorus🙏❣

[JRMaranatha]

I just lost my mom on election day. I was numb, but a week later grief began showing up at odd times. This hymn does soothe my aching soul...

[murielpeterson]

My husband and I had this at our wedding 50yrs ago.

[vaancr]

"Be still my soul"...such a beautiful, comforting, and reassuring words. Love this song so much.💟💟💟

[annexton]

Many years ago when l was a newborn Christian we sang this beautiful hymn, and l wrote in my hymn book that l wanted this sung at my funeral. Just this week it was broadcast that Eric Liddell, the Flying Scotsman who won a gold medal in the Paris Olympics of 1924, asked for the camp orchestra to play it outside his window when he was dying in POW camp in China.

[John--qhxl]

Going on 62 years of disabling migraine headaches, CPTSD and many other challenges and I can honestly say that praising God in all things is such a powerful tool. against any enemy lies that try to make us doubt God's love. Thank you for this video. Romans 8:28; 2 Corinthians 10:4-5; Ephesians 5:20. What a blessing it is when you finally have the understanding that God is good all the time, and, all the time, God is good. Believe it and enter into His precious, life-changing rest.

[Lisa-spif]

This is my favorite hymn of all time. It’s unbelievable how rich the words and the doctrine and the honesty is in this song…❤

[carolandjohnharris]

I approach the fifth anniversary of my beloved husband's death, and am feeling very low. This morning the Holy Spirit directed my attention to "Be still my soul" on You Tube and ministered His love and tenderness to my soul. Thank you Luke for your sensitivity to His Holy Spirit's guidance and ministry. God bless you. xx

[EllenObrock-gstq]

This song was sung at my mother’s funeral. The words became a true comfort to me. All was darkened in a veil of tears for months, but my Lord was with me. Now it is one of my favorite hymns ❤

[joycemyers]

In the middle of the night under deep distress, the Lord brought this into my mind. I knew it as a young Christian, now 50 years later, it comes to my memory. Bless the Lord O my soul.

[Beverly-ez]

I like your voice. It does not glorify itself but is humble in singing about Him who deserves all glory.

[hilogearhart]

This hymn became meaningful to me when I was in doubt concerning my salvation and I thought how wonderful the words of this hymn for those who are His. Now that I have a settled peace that, though I’m not what I should be, by the grace of God, I am what I am and the words of this hymn are also for me.

[valeriehenderson]

When my late husband was ill and suffering with depression, Be Still My Soul brought peace into my heart and I was able to continue supporting him. Bless you Luke 🙏

[Orpilorp]

Hello from Nebraska. I love the classical piece Finlandia. I also think the words to their national anthem are very sweet. I believe he wrote this as WWI looked inevitable, to encourage his fellow Finlandiers.
I have loved "Be Still My Soul" since I first heard it as a child. The verses describe so well the Father's love for us through the different challenges we face living in this fallen world. I learned to trust the Lord through years of seeking children and finally having our family, and in the loss of a newborn. I saw the face of God smile with love as He comforted us. And now He walks with me as I live with Crohn's disease. I am so grateful that Jesus was willing to die for us, and that He calls us His friends. Thank you for spotlighting this beautiful hymn.

[vijayamanoharandaniel]

This is one of our familys favourite hymns .My dear husband had a powerful tenor voice. I can play the keyboard and we sing this hymn together.Whenever we think of its background tears will roll down .Now my great source of comfort is to sing hymns .

[michellecain]

This song has meant so much to me since my father passed away from cancer followed shortly thereafter by my grandma and aunt and uncle within 1 day apart. It has truly spoken to my heart.