A Life in Exile

There is a lot of noise in this world we live in. You wouldn’t think a woman who works in a public library would be saying that, but it is almost hard to describe how noisy even a library can be in the summer months. I love it, because it shows how important we are to our community, but the noise can sometimes be too much.

Even in the car, there is noise. I find myself changing the channels multiple times in my short drive home, as nothing seems to speak to my heart. Even my favorite Christian channels are preaching about marriage relationships and parenting, and then a song comes on about heaven or struggle. My soul pushes back.

Now I’m home, where the silence is overwhelming. I can hear the clock ticking, as time is determined to press on. It seems that nothing satisfies — neither noise or quiet.

Then the words of an old hymn come to mind, written by Catharina von Schlegel, around 1752. Oh, how the words speak to me, as I have a conversation with God.

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.

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.

Be still, my soul, though 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 sorrows and thy fears.
Be still, my soul; thy Jesus can repay
From His own fulness all He takes away.

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.

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.

When the world gets noisy around you, find that quiet place in your soul and let Him speak, comfort and guide.

Grace and Peace