Be Still My Soul

Midweek Meditation with Pastor Edith
July 30, 2025
Psalm 46:10

I must have been quite talkative as a youngster, because I can remember the adults telling me over and over; “Just be still Edith”. I don’t suppose the adults understood how hard that can be for a kid, especially an anxious kid like me. Nevertheless, I have grown into a very talkative adult (I can almost hear some of you from my church saying “true that” ).

In the ministries with which I am involved, there are many who are elderly and often not feeling well. It is a challenge for me to be both sympathetic and encouraging the Joy of the Lord at the same time, but, alas, I am responsible to do just that. Today, I received word that yet another of the folks in my sphere of influence has passed on to heaven. While rejoicing that her pain and suffering are done, there is still the sorrow of the loved ones left behind, particularly her devoted husband. It’s ironic that I have just recently been the officiant of a young couples wedding where they requested the traditional vows that include; “in sickness and in health”. I remember counseling with them to take these vows to heart and trust that the Lord will see them through it all. Maybe you can relate how you have been challenged with sickness. Perhaps these times of illness or caring for someone who is ill is God’s way of reminding us that we are never alone, no matter how we feel and we can use these times to encourage someone who feels as if no one can understand what they are going through. Just a thought.

I find comforting words in the last stanza of an “oldie, but a goodie”; “Be Still My Soul” written by Katharina Von Schlegel in the early 1700’s and inspired by the Psalmist who wrote; “Be still, and know that I am God!” Katharina writes:

“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”.

AMEN and Pray on!