“Be Still M Soul,” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kqKVFYD8Obc is my song for the end of chapter 2 of Ruth. Life still is not easy for our main characters but a “care plan” has been initiated, gleaning to first meet Naomi and Ruth’s basic physical need, hunger. Ruth asks to glean, to gather grain left by the side of the road or dropped by harvesters. Hard work. But….”as it turned out…”, “just then….” As Ruth patiently gleans, the events of her life are changing,
Katharina von Schlegal wrote this hymn in German in 1752. One hundred years later, it was translated into English by Jane L. Borthwick in Scotland and published in :Jymns from the Land of Luther Series 2”. Jean Sibelius, a Finish composer wrote the tune that has stuck and blessed many. Katharina von Schlegal was a product of the Pietistic Revival sweeping Europe, encouraging people to put emotions into song. Jean Sibelius was a product of Finnish people seeking to finding voice under the Russian Empire. Germany, Scotland, Finland, are part of threads developing this hymn that has blessed many as they wait patiently in the midst of their trials on 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 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 the waves and winds shall know
His voice who ruled them while He dwelt below
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
On the Way to Wonder 