Be Still, My Heart! These Anxious Cares reminds believers to trust in God’s unwavering help, resisting fear and anxiety. The lyrics echo biblical promises of God’s provision, wisdom, and faithfulness throughout life’s journey. The song emphasizes that past and present trials are small compared to the eternal joy awaiting those who trust in Him.
VERSE 1
Be still, my heart! all anxious cares
Are hindrances, and thorns and snares;
They cast dishonor on my Lord,
And contradict His gracious Word.
VERSE 2
Brought safely by His hand thus far,
Why should I now give place to fear?
How can I want if He provide,
Or lose my way with such a Guide?
VERSE 3
When first before His mercy-seat
My all to Him I did commit,
He gave me warrant from that hour
To trust His wisdom, love and power.
VERSE 4
Did trouble ever yet befall,
And He refuse to hear my call?
And has not He His promise passed
That I shall overcome at last?
VERSE 5
He Who has helped me hitherto
Will help me all my journey through,
And give me daily cause to raise
New Ebenezers to His praise.
VERSE 6
Though rough and thorny be the road,
It leads me home apace to God;
Then count all present trials small,
For Heaven will make amends for all.
Story Behind the Hymn
“Be Still, My Heart! These Anxious Cares” is a hymn penned by John Newton, the same author of “Amazing Grace.” This hymn delves deeper into the believer’s experience, addressing the internal struggles and anxieties faced while walking with the Lord along challenging paths.[1]
Newton, once a slave trader, underwent a profound transformation, dedicating his life to faith and ministry. His hymns often reflect personal experiences and spiritual insights. “Be Still, My Heart! These Anxious Cares” encourages believers to trust in God’s wisdom, love, and power, especially during times of anxiety and fear.[2]
The hymn has been included in numerous hymnals since its publication, set to various tunes that complement its message of trust and reassurance.[3]
Trusting God in Anxiety
“Be still, my heart! these anxious cares” reflects the biblical call to trust God rather than be weighed down by worry. Philippians 4:6-7 instructs believers to bring their anxieties to God through prayer, promising His peace in return. Anxiety contradicts faith in God’s provision, as seen in Matthew 6:25-27, where Jesus reassures that God cares for His people and provides for their needs. Trusting in God’s promises removes the burden of fear and aligns believers with His will.
“Brought safely by his hand thus far, why wilt thou now give place to fear?” echoes 1 Samuel 7:12, where Samuel declares, “Thus far the Lord has helped us.” Fear is unnecessary when remembering God’s past faithfulness. Psalm 46:1 declares God as a refuge and strength, always present in trouble. The hymn encourages looking back on God’s provision as a foundation for present trust.
“He who has helped thee hitherto, will help thee all thy journey through” emphasizes God’s unchanging nature. Hebrews 13:8 affirms that Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. God’s faithfulness ensures His continued help. The hymn’s theology aligns with Scripture, reinforcing trust in God’s sovereignty, power, and provision.
Relevant Bible Verses about Be Still My Heart These Anxious Cares Hymn
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and pleading with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7 NASB
For this reason I say to you, do not be worried about your life, as to what you will eat or what you will drink; nor for your body, as to what you will put on. Is life not more than food, and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the sky, that they do not sow, nor reap, nor gather crops into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more important than they? And which of you by worrying can add a single day to his life’s span? Matthew 6:25-27 NASB
Then Samuel took a stone and placed it between Mizpah and Shen, and named it Ebenezer, saying, “So far the Lord has helped us.” 1 Samuel 7:12 NASB
God is our refuge and strength, a very ready help in trouble. Psalm 46:1 NASB
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today, and forever. Hebrews 13:8 NASB
Be Still My Heart These Anxious Cares lyrics and music by John Newton, (1725) Public Domain
