As of late, the weather has mirrored the season for many in our church family.
As someone once put it about the month of March, this stretch of highway can test the hope of even the most optimistic of individuals. The barren mountains remain smears of charcoal drab on the horizon. The ground is sponge-like at best, ankle deep in sludge at worst. The sky oscillates between milky white and oatmeal grey. The wind feels cruel and unnecessary.
If you were not depressed before, you certainly are now.
The other day I sat in worship at the Michael Nichols Memorial Concert at our church. The remembrances for Mike and for the music that he loved were rich and meaningful. But it was the well-known hymn, “Be Still My Soul,” that touched me the most. I was moved by the sweeping and haunting tune, yes. I was caught up in the vast chorus of voices, true. But it was the lyrics that spoke the most clearly to me. They articulated well the wordless feelings of my soul, and the verse caught in my throat:
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 blessed we shall meet at last
The words to this verse speak of communion with God. They confess the hope of reunion with those we have lost. They speak honestly about the sorrows we face. They talk about the time when the clouds, the grey, the tears, the rain, the sadness, and the emptiness will pass.
The song is about springtime. And springtime is Creation’s way of echoing God’s eternal hope, now and forevermore.
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
The pulpiteer of old said it well: “It’s Friday, but Sunday’s a-coming!” But perhaps this is what I need to hear the most: “It’s March, but Easter’s a-coming!”
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Here’s one version of the hymn, “Be Still My Soul,” by Katrina von Schlegel.