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!
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Sources used for this video:
• “Hymns from the Land of Luther”: archive.org/de...
• www.umcdiscipl...
• www.desiringgo...
• hymnary.org/te...
• forthefainthea...
• freepages.root...
• 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

[@jeaniesig31]

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.

[@maryharris4564]

Thank GOD For HIS WONDERFUL ENCOURAGEMENTS Thru HIS GIVEN Songs Thru Ones MAY GOD BLESS You In Giving These Histories We Thank You For This GOD GIVEN Ministry in You MAY GOD ENCOURAGE Your heart BLESS You And Your Family.

[@annexton3795]

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.

[@victoriasinger7963]

Many years ago, I had been working on memorizing this hymn. Then we got the call that my mother's father was dying; we piled into the car and headed across the state, trying to get there in time to say goodbye. And I was able to sing it for my mother on the trip, which found very comforting and encouraging. Who could have expected that? 🌺🙏🌺

[@joycemyers2444]

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.

[@valeriehenderson4541]

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 🙏

[@rebeccabob9337]

What a wonderful comfort we have in Jesus ❤!

[@carolandjohnharris7405]

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

[@mikkisams7640]

Just passed the 2 year mark of my husbands home-going. Love this song. I feel so loved when I hear it. We sang it at my mom's memorial.

[@murielpeterson4787]

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

[@rickysikes1631]

Eric Liddell , who won a gold Olympic medal and who was a missionary to China. He was put into a camp 7:00 when the Japanese invaded China. He survived , but was dying from a brain tumor. He requested this song be song by his fellow prisoners as he was drawing his last breath. I always think of his life whenI hear this.

[@preciousstoryward8708]

This song has gotten me through some dark times. God is good!!

[@derekleroux145]

What an inspirational message, thank you Luke! These words impacted me again: '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.' I needed it to today and received the link from a dear Christian friend in the US. God bless you!

[@michellecain5696]

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.

[@John--qh9xl]

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.

[@rhodoracordrey904]

Amen 🙏🏻

[@SylviaBlanche]

I love this peaceful and comforting hymn that ministers to me through my trials.❤

[@EllenObrock-gs4tq]

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 ❤

[@user-wd5qw2sr4d]

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

[@Botanya12]

Earlier this week my Mom heard this well known hymn with it's beautiful tune 'Finlandia' on "Songs of Praise" which was held this year in St Giles Cathedral, Edinburgh. They are commemorating the 100th Anniversary since Eric Liddell won the Olympic gold medal in the men's 400m race. He was known as the 'Flying Scotsman' and you will know of him from the movie "Chariots of Fire". He was due to run in the 100m race but because the heats were being run on a Sunday he pulled out of the race. He decided to enter the 400m race as the heats were run on a Friday. He served as a missionary in China for many years. Unfortunately he was taken prisoner in Japan in the Second World War. While there he became very ill. In hospital he asked that the Salvation Army play this hymn for him outside his window which they did. Unfortunately he died there at the early age of 43.

[@fyodorlewis5410]

Yes, thanks for sharing! I didn't know this about it being played outside his window while in hospital. I have read in biographies this was his favorite hymn

[@karenfagerstone1892]

I have leaned on this hymn for His providence and strength. I lost my husband July 1 and my mother-in-law August 1. Grief has been near and raw and though the emotions come in waves, I have to remind myself that His eternal promises are more real and true than what we know to be real. It is hard to describe and being in that dark place I know He is carrying me though the tempest rages. Thank you for singing this as I had not heard all the verses before.

[@Fisher-King]

God Bless Karen and bring loving brothers and sisters in faith to comfort, encourage, and strengthen her. In Jesus Name, Amen.

[@johnmills1816]

Raw grief is awful and yes it does come in waves, lost a few loved ones myself over the years but God has shown me that we do not grieve as those that have no hope, 1 Thess ch4 v13, we will see them again and our gracious God Himself shall wipe away our tears, Rev ch21 v4.

[@christiancox3819]

Happy birthday, Jennifer. Praying for God to bless you in your devotion to Him and His Word. May peace and joy increase and strengthen you!

[@Fisher-King]

Thank You for your kind words and your prayers.

[@amywebster8370]

There was a time in my life when I was making a major decision. I was not at peace and was wrestling with my decision. I was up all night playing about it and to this day, I don't know if I fell asleep and was dreaming or what, but in the middle of the night, I heard this song (no, my radio was not on) as clear as day. I don't know if the song was audible or not, but I clearly heard it. I was familiar with the song, but at the time, it was as a while since I sung it or heard it. The words "The Lord is on thy side", "Leave to thy God to order and provide," and in every change, He faithful will reman" have a special meaning to me and I was able to give my decision to God and completely trust Him with the outcome.

[@PietStassenAdamastor]

💥BE STILL MY SOUL. This hymn is an old favourite and was the hymn-of-choice (funeral march) for my father's funeral in 2013. Beautiful.

[@bureedahampton9707]

What a great song to comfort us . Always has been a favorite of mine . Hymns are so wonderful !

[@hilogearhart3759]

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.

[@Lisa-sp5if]

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…❤

[@jillhardiman5988]

Thankyou blessed and anointed one. My father used to play this one he lived to 93 and although he could still play I used to play hymns for him and renewed my childhood upbringing . Blessed memories ❤

[@marthaspence4167]

What a blessing! You are a multi-talented servant of God, and it's lovely to hear you sing, play, and share about this song.

[@Subarna-pr9dh]

Soul stirring wordings,All mysteries shall be bright at last.Really, sometimes I am confused,but there is many mysteries,I can't solve,but HE does.

[@patrickzeliang821]

Thank you-it is so encouraging.❤❤❤

[@juliabickel7024]

I am 76 years old and have been singing this song nearly all of those years. I have never heard or known of verse 5! This song is often sung at funerals in the Lutheran church. Thank you for this presentation.

[@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.

[@philiphumphrey1548]

It's not the official Finnish National Anthem, that is another very lovely stirring tune.

[@Orpilorp]

​@@philiphumphrey1548oh, I will have to listen to that. Thank you.

[@ronel8204]

❤❤❤Verse 5 Thank you for this beautiful hymn❤❤❤ JESUS my best

[@philiphumphrey1548]

Possibly a bit off topic here but I loved Luke's piano arrangement of the song, starting with just a few isolated chords in verse 1 up to the full works in the last verse. I'm a church organist and it's one of my favourite tunes.

[@beckyjohnson3153]

A beautiful song.

[@annem8152]

this song is new to me.

[@elsabepitout5031]

This came to me on precisely the right moment. Thank you.

[@KristinSalzman]

What a wonderful hymn... one of my favorites. The Lord gave the idea for me to have a ministry to nursing and private homes that care for people in my rural area in Illinois/USA. I share my testimony first and then share 4 hymns and 4 patriotic songs, alternating between the two, tell the story behind them, I read at least one verse, sing the first verse, and play them on my violin. I encourage attendees to sing along. I end this time of ministering with passing out a one page that gives the plan of salvation with Scriptures, some thoughts about the importance of having a personal relationship with Jesus Christ and ending with a sample prayer to receive God's gift of forgiveness. All glory goes to God, Jesus and the Holy. Spirit!!!

[@Fisher-King]

Thank You for sharing. Amen.

[@bonniechampagne2992]

Hymns are so therapeutic...love them all...messages from heaven on the fORm of a HYMN.🌟🌟✨️🌟

[@131maymay131]

One of my favorite hymns. Another hymn to the tune of Finlandia is “We Rest on Thee”, which was sung by Jim Elliot and the other missionaries when they were martyred.

[@mathewmathew9720]

❤The lyrics are so comforting, it is all time favourite... in all seasons in life's journey..

[@user-uo9br9fe2s]

Beautiful, rich hymn!❤

[@alariankalwozeth9415]

Thanks for verse analysis. Really good. " All now mysterious shall be bright at last". From Virginia

[@titichondoro2516]

Praise the Lord Jesus..Amen.🙏💙

[@RhondaCope-rk3ez]

Amen Thank you Luke Truly appreciate Friday Classics I learn feel A stronger conviction From these grest Writers Be Still My Soul So I msy Feel God's Eternal Comfort Blessings Sorry that your Church Families feeling Grief of passing Loved ones We too Our church A grandfather and Aunt A desr neighbor And a close friend All less than a month Hearts been heavier Faith God's promise We will be together Again Perfect gathering Family friends Perfect song For me This Friday night Take Care

[@selmathompson835]

" Be still my soul , the waves and winds still know His voice who ruled them while he dwelt below" Powerful and reassuring words.

[@sergefortune2667]

You are truly a man of God! The way you explain things, trying to imagine all kind of difficulties that life can bring, and to encourage people to never give up in the battle. That's faith! Keep up the good work. May God bless you❤

[@louisebrislane6607]

Be Still my soul: the Lord is on thy side often comes into my mind during the night hours or when things are not going right. I used to know it properly when young but over the past years my memory isn't what it used to be & so only snatches of songs float into my memory via the Holy Spirit. I particularly like the last verse as it is one of hope so it is a pity it isn't sung more often as it is truly a crescendo to the song.

[@patrickwalker4259]

Amen 🙏 "be still my soul and know that God is on your side" I just love and adore this expression in the song Luke it gives me so much hope in God our heavenly Father, stay blessed in Jesus name the name above every other name whereby we must be saved Amen 🙏✝️✡️🕎❤️

[@marjataberman3733]

Thank you for sharing this! Absolutely beautiful and comforting! My home is just 1,5 miles form the home of Sibelius. My husband I think that this should be the national anthem of Finland. Jesus bless you!

[@user-ue6sg1ec8q]

Amen and again Amen ! A song ,a prayer, a beautiful piece of music . Thanks everyone and happy birthday! Be Still!

[@alurigoravusiro9626]

I miss singing the Hymns. This brings back memories of my father who sang while my mother sang along. She was a grade 2 or 3, not a good English speaker but sing she did. I remember this song sung. It's melody came alive to me and made me cry. Thank you for sharing. Be still! ❤

[@leeworley5160]

Heaven will be a place of no more! Amen

[@joyeverytime9229]

Beautiful hymn history Be Still My Soul Thank you.

[@laurarobichaud5747]

Beautiful song ,beautiful voice ❤

[@KellyMillerArtist]

Beautiful, as always, thank you for blessing us brother.

[@glenturrell4485]

Thank you for this beautiful hymn Luc. The words pair so well with this great piece if music and I am eternally grate to our Heavenly Father (the greatest composer of all!) for the gifts of music and language. The depth musical and lyrical gravity so present in this piece has gone sadly missing in most churches and I mourne it's departure.

[@manuelteixeira2496]

You are an ultimate performer and an artist for The Most High. Alleluia! This Hymn's lyrics and music are the best for me too. Very Powerful and Wonderful Almighty God Jesus Christ The Incarnated Triune God. All Glory be given eternally to Jesus Christ The Lord of Lords and King of Kings. Amen!

[@melisaeslinger6247]

I love this hymn. It is so encouraging and reminds me that the LORD is with us through this journey and will meet us when we make it home.

[@olivierfonte2999]

Thank you Luke for the sharing.....

[@mygarden365]

Well Done. Thank you.

[@joyeverytime9229]

The story behind the hymn 'Be Still My Soul' is very interesting Thank You.

[@ritchievernon8099]

This is my favorite gospel hymn of all time! Listening to it or singing it! 🙏

[@estellebreytenbach3122]

Love your explanations of origin of these wonderful hymns.... May they live on from generation to generation... Bless you Luke in this ministry.

[@MsVbecker]

Beautiful! And thanks for introducing us to the beautiful last verse!

[@smoothsailingmp]

All of it spoke to me this evening ❤

[@dawnroberts8701]

Recently, I began listing the "vast cloud of witnesses" from life who have left Earth for the "Great Beyond" and are cheering me on! I look forward to being reunited with each of them as my length of days gets shorter.

[@alicemattsen2208]

I loved the last verse most because as in psalm 13, the last verse also comes back to praising God from a negative place. We need to pray, praise and be grateful in all times.

[@Rhema-Zone]

Thank you for sharing 🤍🎼 Sing praises unto the Lord 📝

[@jillhardiman3801]

Thankyou so much so reassuring God bless your beautiful ministry. Shalom❤

[@valerieleung3639]

A lovely beginning g to my day. “Be still my soul”. I live in a very busy world and the hymn is calming as it reminds me to focus my heart on Jesus . Thank you for sharing your gift of music .

[@tinkiebenadie3770]

Wow! Beautiful Luke! Thank you. I could listen to your talent and enjoy the words of wisdom.

[@jacquelinetaylor9447]

God Bless you brother Luke. Your voice is a true gift from our Lord God. I truly enjoyed this beautiful hymn immensely. Happy Birthday Jennifer, May your birthday year be abundantly filled with Lord God’s blessings, joy, love, and peace. God Bless everyone. Amen 🙏🏻

[@Fisher-King]

Amen. Thank You for your blessing and kind words.

[@deannasage5491]

Beautiful song Luke I never heard this until tonight thank you❤

[@olivierfonte2999]

Thanks!

[@marianmatthews8263]

Luke this is SO beautiful. This was the hymn my mother-in-law loved and we sang it at her funeral - that was her request before she walked through the veil and into His glorious presence. But we had no idea there was a final verse rarely sung. Oh how she would have loved that - but we will love it for her and for ourselves! In a world of turmoil and brokenness, your very voice brings calm. I feel so encouraged after hearing your video and I have subscribed. I shall be tuning in again, and again, and again....... I can't pick out a favourite verse of line because I love the whole hymn, and you sang it so beautifully I felt I was floating into Heaven. I am thanking God that your video seemed to 'happen' as I was looking for another hymn on KZbin. I have been so greatly blessed and will share this with my hubby. God bless you abundantly young friend. You have greatly encouraged this 82 year old. 🙂

[@jacquelyncanada9785]

Love this hymn!!! God bless 🙏

[@dawnbrady7919]

Really appreciate your Friday hymns Luke. You are a blessing from God.

[@margaretsamuelnichols5136]

Beautiful wonderful song. These are song of the true old time faith

[@danielbeattie4186]

Both this hymn and We rest on Thee our Shield and our Defender are wonderful hymns, both fit with Finlandia beautifully. Didn't often sing them in church, so when singing them from memory I would splice verses from both together as one hymn.

[@kerriecarley8836]

Thankyou Luke for today’s Hymn history. Truly wonderful words. I particularly was drawn to the words to be still my soul because God rules over the tumult of our lives, just as he ruled the wind and the waves when He was here on earth. I am wondering if you could look at “The Day Thou Gavest Lord Is Ended”. To me this hymn talks about the saints of God on whom the day is dawning keeps watch whilst the saints for whom the night is coming will take rest. Naturally a song never sung now and in fact rarely sung that I particularly remember.

[@lydiagobel8609]

Thank you from South africa

[@cordeliamarieclairecastori3928]

Amen! So beautiful, Gbu richly dear Luke!🙏😇📖🔥❤☝😃🎶

[@sherryhaines4818]

Beautiful....thank you for giving that wonderful insite of this great hymn....And playing it very lovely afterwards.. God's blessings...😊

[@bereanspirit_14]

Among my favourite hymns❤.

[@Ahmie0423]

Happy birthday, Jennifer !

[@Fisher-King]

Thank Ahmie. I will share your Birthday greeting later on.

[@bonnieburcham4671]

Such a beautiful song. Thank you for sharing ❤

[@nccrchurchunusual]

Great song of comfort. Thx for sharing.

[@dorothymccurdy7362]

This is also one of my favorite hyms. We rearly sing hyms anymore and I miss them, espically this one. Thank you for sharing, you have a new subscriber.

[@toniekulkarni9243]

Beautiful and what a message. Thank you. I knew a lot of these songs when I was young and you don’t hear a lot of them anymore. Happy Birthday to Jennifer!!

[@Fisher-King]

Thank You Tonie for your kind words and I will pass this message on.

[@eggertj123]

Thank you for your interpretation of this wonderful hymn, one of my favorites! The portrait you show of Jane Borthwick, though, is of the wrong woman! The one you show is apparently Jane Borthwick Fletcher (1823-1895), who moved to Australia in 1833 and married there in 1850. The hymn translator is Jane Laurie Borthwick (1813-1897), who never married.

[@sherriejohnson508]

Thank you happy birthday Jennifer. This is a wonderful song

[@Fisher-King]

Thank You Sherrie : ) I will pass this on.

[@marilynnjefferson8525]

My absolute favorite hymn. Nice video.

[@bonniehoogeveen5235]

Oh wow! What a beautiful channel. I was looking for ways to settle my soul and worship today. This came up on the KZbin page. Divine intervention? :-) I have Psalm 46:10 on my wall. It is one of my favorite verses. Thank you for your ministry!

[@jenniferwatson7118]

Thankyou - this was fascinating! I love this hymn.

[@manuelteixeira2496]

I Thank you very much brave sons and daughters Of God.

[@elizabethcherin2761]

What assurance to know that the winds and waves know Jesus’ voice. What comfort. I’m closer to death then a few seconds ago God does his best work in caves. Amen.

[@evadavis4709]

Thank you for the beautiful hymn, I love it❤it makes my day

[@Charles-bv2dk]

This was very encouraging to me! Thank you for sharing brother

[@merrylmarsh9037]

Beautifully performed. ❤

[@janetyaegel7811]

This song was the famous Olympic runner Eric Liddle. He later became a missionary to China and died there in a prison camp. God bless

[@ayleneasp8933]

Thanks Luke for your explanation of this beautiful hymn today, and for your performance of it- both voice and piano.