Be Still

"The Lord your God is with you; the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in his love, he will no longer rebuke you but will rejoice over you with singing.”   Zephaniah 3:17

Upon meditating upon this verse, I am deeply moved by the image of God, the Mighty Warrior who saves, and our Father expressing delight and singing, possibly a soothing lullaby over us. Do you recall the comforting songs you would sing to your children when they were afraid? These songs would calm them and bring peace in your embrace. Similarly, God’s heart towards you is akin to that of a father who yearns for you to find rest and solace in His divine love. Our Warrior God is a gentle Father.

As we approach Holy Week, I believe it’s crucial to find moments of stillness. Let’s take some time to reflect on the passion of Jesus. Also, let’s remember God the Father’s unwavering love for us. Finally, let’s be still and allow the Holy Spirit to speak to our hearts.  

Psalm 46:10 says: "Be still, and know that I am God." In the quiet stillness, say nothing...just listen. Be still and allow God to reveal Himself in silence. He takes great delight in you. He loves you and rejoices over you with singing. Prepare your heart for Holy Week, remembering the sacrifice for your sins and the joy that follows. Can you hear or imagine the love song that emanates from God’s heart over you?  

Be Still My Soul is a beautiful hymn that reminds us to quiet ourselves before God:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WHCOapQ85ys

Be Still My Soul

Verse 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.

Verse 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.

Verse 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.

Verse 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.

Words: Katharina von Schlegel, 1697. Music: "Finlanda" by Jean Sibelius 1899