Be Still, My Soul: A Hymn for the Ages
“Be still, my soul: the Lord is on thy side.” These simple yet profound words have echoed through the hearts of believers for nearly three centuries, a timeless balm for weary and troubled spirits. The story of “Be Still, My Soul” is one that spans continents and generations, weaving together the gifts of poets, translators, and composers into a hymn that has become a beloved cornerstone of Christian worship.
The Poet: Katharina von Schlegel
The story of “Be Still, My Soul” begins in 18th-century Germany with Katharina Amalia Dorothea von Schlegel. Born in 1697, von Schlegel’s life is shrouded in mystery, with few details known about her personal history. What we do know is that she resided in a Lutheran Damenstift, a residential endowment for unmarried Protestant women, located in Cöthen in the Principality of Anhalt.
Despite the scarcity of biographical information, tantalizing glimpses of von Schlegel’s life and faith emerge through her correspondence. In 1726, she exchanged letters with August Hermann Francke, the renowned Lutheran clergyman, philanthropist, and Biblical scholar. This connection hints at von Schlegel’s deep involvement in the spiritual and intellectual currents of her time.
While the exact date of her death remains unknown, it is believed that von Schlegel was still alive in 1768, a testament to the enduring nature of her legacy. For it was during her lifetime that she penned the words that would become “Be Still, My Soul,” a hymn that continues to bring comfort and hope to countless believers centuries later.
Von Schlegel’s poetry reflects the spirit of the Pietist movement that was sweeping Germany during the 18th century. Led by Philipp Jacob Spener, this revival emphasized personal faith, deep emotion, and faithfulness to Scripture – all qualities that shine through in von Schlegel’s hymns. Through her words, she invited readers to find rest and peace in the unchanging love of God, even amidst life’s trials and sorrows.
The Translator: Jane Borthwick
A century later and hundreds of miles away, a Scottish woman named Jane L. Borthwick encountered von Schlegel’s words and recognized their timeless power. As a member of the Free Church of Scotland, Borthwick was passionate about bringing the riches of German hymnody to the English-speaking world.
In 1855, Borthwick’s translation of “Stille, mein Wille; dein Jesus hilft siegen” appeared in “Hymns from the Land of Luther,” a collection that introduced many beloved German hymns to English congregations. Borthwick’s rendition, titled “Be Still, My Soul,” captured the essence of von Schlegel’s original while infusing it with a poetic beauty all her own.
The Composer: Jean Sibelius
The final piece of the puzzle fell into place in Finland, where composer Jean Sibelius was creating a musical tribute to his homeland. In 1899, amidst rising tensions with Russia, Sibelius composed “Finlandia,” a symphonic tone poem that celebrated Finnish history and culture.
From the tumultuous opening bars, symbolizing the struggles of the Finnish people, emerges a hymn-like melody of breathtaking serenity – the tune we now know as FINLANDIA. For Sibelius, this musical interlude represented hope and resolution in the face of oppression.
The Fusion: David Evans
It took the discerning ear of Welsh musician David Evans to recognize the perfect marriage between Borthwick’s translation and Sibelius’ melody. In 1927, Evans paired the words and tune for the Revised Church Hymnary, creating the version of “Be Still, My Soul” that has become a staple of Christian worship.
A Balm for Weary Souls
In the nearly 300 years since von Schlegel first penned her hymn, “Be Still, My Soul” has brought comfort and hope to countless believers. Its message is one of trust in the face of sorrow, of confidence in God’s love and faithfulness even when the path ahead is shrouded in darkness.
“Be still, my soul: thy Jesus can repay
from his own fondness all he takes away,”
the hymn reminds us, gently calling us to rest in the eternal hope we have in Christ.
As we lift our voices in this beloved hymn, we join a chorus that stretches across centuries and continents – a testament to the enduring power of God’s peace in the midst of life’s storms. May the story and message of “Be Still, My Soul” continue to bring comfort and hope to weary hearts, reminding us that in Christ, we are never alone.
