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Be Still My Soul: Reflections on Living the Christian Life
In our can't-stop world, where we frantically move through our days with hardly a moment of true rest and reflection, it's hard to comprehend the thought of being still, of leaving our anxiety and worry and impatience in the capable hands of a loving God. But that's exactly what Elisabeth Elliot calls us to do.
Using the title of one of her favorite hymns as her unifying theme, Elliot offers an inspiring collection of reflections on living the Christian life. Illustrating biblical concepts with her rich personal experiences as a missionary, mother, wife, widow, radio host, and internationally known public speaker, Elliot writes with clarity and elegance on topics at once timeless and timely. This lovely new repackaged edition is perfect for the busy times in which we live.
Using the title of one of her favorite hymns as her unifying theme, Elliot offers an inspiring collection of reflections on living the Christian life. Illustrating biblical concepts with her rich personal experiences as a missionary, mother, wife, widow, radio host, and internationally known public speaker, Elliot writes with clarity and elegance on topics at once timeless and timely. This lovely new repackaged edition is perfect for the busy times in which we live.
130 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2003
101 people are currently reading
2028 people want to read
About the author
Elisabeth Elliot
177 books2,274 followersFrom the Author's Web Site: My parents were missionaries in Belgium where I was born. When I was a few months old, we came to the U.S. and lived in Germantown, not far from Philadelphia, where my father became an editor of the Sunday School Times. Some of my contemporaries may remember the publication which was used by hundreds of churches for their weekly unified Sunday School teaching materials.
Our family continued to live in Philadelphia and then in New Jersey until I left home to attend Wheaton College. By that time, the family had increased to four brothers and one sister. My studies in classical Greek would one day enable me to work in the area of unwritten languages to develop a form of writing.
A year after I went to Ecuador, Jim Elliot, whom I had met at Wheaton, also entered tribal areas with the Quichua Indians. In nineteen fifty three we were married in the city of Quito and continued our work together. Jim had always hoped to have the opportunity to enter the territory of an unreached tribe. The Aucas were in that category -- a fierce group whom no one had succeeded in meeting without being killed. After the discovery of their whereabouts, Jim and four other missionaries entered Auca territory. After a friendly contact with three of the tribe, they were speared to death.
Our daughter Valerie was 10 months old when Jim was killed. I continued working with the Quichua Indians when, through a remarkable providence, I met two Auca women who lived with me for one year. They were the key to my going in to live with the tribe that had killed the five missionaries. I remained there for two years.
After having worked for two years with the Aucas, I returned to the Quichua work and remained there until 1963 when Valerie and I returned to the U.S.
Since then, my life has been one of writing and speaking. It also included, in 1969, a marriage to Addison Leitch, professor of theology at Gordon Conwell Seminary in Massachusetts. He died in 1973. After his death I had two lodgers in my home. One of them married my daughter, the other one, Lars Gren, married me. Since then we have worked together.
Our family continued to live in Philadelphia and then in New Jersey until I left home to attend Wheaton College. By that time, the family had increased to four brothers and one sister. My studies in classical Greek would one day enable me to work in the area of unwritten languages to develop a form of writing.
A year after I went to Ecuador, Jim Elliot, whom I had met at Wheaton, also entered tribal areas with the Quichua Indians. In nineteen fifty three we were married in the city of Quito and continued our work together. Jim had always hoped to have the opportunity to enter the territory of an unreached tribe. The Aucas were in that category -- a fierce group whom no one had succeeded in meeting without being killed. After the discovery of their whereabouts, Jim and four other missionaries entered Auca territory. After a friendly contact with three of the tribe, they were speared to death.
Our daughter Valerie was 10 months old when Jim was killed. I continued working with the Quichua Indians when, through a remarkable providence, I met two Auca women who lived with me for one year. They were the key to my going in to live with the tribe that had killed the five missionaries. I remained there for two years.
After having worked for two years with the Aucas, I returned to the Quichua work and remained there until 1963 when Valerie and I returned to the U.S.
Since then, my life has been one of writing and speaking. It also included, in 1969, a marriage to Addison Leitch, professor of theology at Gordon Conwell Seminary in Massachusetts. He died in 1973. After his death I had two lodgers in my home. One of them married my daughter, the other one, Lars Gren, married me. Since then we have worked together.
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March 9, 2023
2023: Every once in a while I feel compelled to pick up one of Elisabeth Elliot’s books. So after 4 years I picked this one again.
Reading Elisabeth Elliot always feels like having coffee with an old precious friend. I know I will be challenged to grow in my faith, to trust and obey Jesus more, I know she will find a way through her words to encourage me, and I also know that we’ll see some things differently (like the way she believes some ordinary things are sacraments). And I know it is never a waste of time to spend time “with her.”
Reading Elisabeth Elliot always feels like having coffee with an old precious friend. I know I will be challenged to grow in my faith, to trust and obey Jesus more, I know she will find a way through her words to encourage me, and I also know that we’ll see some things differently (like the way she believes some ordinary things are sacraments). And I know it is never a waste of time to spend time “with her.”
January 10, 2010
This is the second time I've read this book. Ironically, I pulled
it from my shelf looking for "comfort" words, instead of words like "God included the hardships of my life in His original plan. Nothing takes Him by surprise. Nothing is for nothing. His plan is to make me holy, and hardship is indispensable for that as long as I live in this hard old world. All I have to do is accept it." I forgot how practical Elliot is, and true to God's word, and unyielding on the dying to self theme. If you want to read truth, and want to be God's woman, then this book will remind you of the important truth's of God's call on our lives.
it from my shelf looking for "comfort" words, instead of words like "God included the hardships of my life in His original plan. Nothing takes Him by surprise. Nothing is for nothing. His plan is to make me holy, and hardship is indispensable for that as long as I live in this hard old world. All I have to do is accept it." I forgot how practical Elliot is, and true to God's word, and unyielding on the dying to self theme. If you want to read truth, and want to be God's woman, then this book will remind you of the important truth's of God's call on our lives.
December 28, 2016
After reading so much contemporary Christian non-fiction Elliot's book felt very fresh. Her writing style is so simple and straight forward yet profound and wise. She is more down-to-earth than I remembered from my teenage days. I highlighted so much to go back and reread and remember.
Just a couple of favorites:
"There is no need to fear the future, God is already there."
"Those of us who are Christians are meant to reflect God's love and light to everyone we meet, becoming ourselves part of His material evidence to the world."
"All our pain can be turned to praise."
Just a couple of favorites:
"There is no need to fear the future, God is already there."
"Those of us who are Christians are meant to reflect God's love and light to everyone we meet, becoming ourselves part of His material evidence to the world."
"All our pain can be turned to praise."
February 20, 2023
4.5 stars
This is a wonderful little book. I love how Elisabeth Elliot writes simply yet with such depth. If ever there was a book by her that I think everyone should own, it would be this one.
This is a wonderful little book. I love how Elisabeth Elliot writes simply yet with such depth. If ever there was a book by her that I think everyone should own, it would be this one.
February 5, 2010
Favorite quotes:
"Acceptance of my circumstances, the first step in obtaining joy and peace, begins with faith." p. 30
"Psalm 16:5 is one of my life verses...'Lord, you have assigned me my portion and my cup and have made my lot secure.' My 'lot' is what happens to me -- my share of that which comes by the will of the Power that rules my destiny. My lot includes the circumstances of my birth, my upbringing, my job, my hardships, the people I work with, my marital status, hindrances, obstacles, accidents, and opportunities...nothing excepted. If I can accept that fact at every turn in the road, I have indeed stepped into His everlasting arms even more securely, and there I will find peace and joy." p. 35
"Sometimes the deepest level of trust has the appearance of doing nothing." p. 54
"'Sit still, my daughter, until you know how the matter will fall' (Ruth 3:18)...Our response is what matters. A quiet heart is content with what God gives." p. 55
"The events around us, often mundane, sometimes horrific, can speak to us more clearly than any preacher. From them, we understand bedrock truths such as humility ('I am not the center of the universe'), neediness ('I cannot provide for myself. Other people will let let me down. God will have to provide for me'), and response ('God is in charge and I will trust Him')...The joy and sorrow we experience in the circumstances of our lives speak to us about mysteries of God's sovereignty that are only apprehended by a faith-filled acceptance of every incident." p. 65
"As Jesus' suffering included the full range of human experiences, so does ours. I fall back on a simple definition of suffering: 'having what you don't want, or wanting what you don't have'...that pretty much covers the matter -- everything from the grossest injustices to the quarrel you had this morning." p. 126
"Acceptance of my circumstances, the first step in obtaining joy and peace, begins with faith." p. 30
"Psalm 16:5 is one of my life verses...'Lord, you have assigned me my portion and my cup and have made my lot secure.' My 'lot' is what happens to me -- my share of that which comes by the will of the Power that rules my destiny. My lot includes the circumstances of my birth, my upbringing, my job, my hardships, the people I work with, my marital status, hindrances, obstacles, accidents, and opportunities...nothing excepted. If I can accept that fact at every turn in the road, I have indeed stepped into His everlasting arms even more securely, and there I will find peace and joy." p. 35
"Sometimes the deepest level of trust has the appearance of doing nothing." p. 54
"'Sit still, my daughter, until you know how the matter will fall' (Ruth 3:18)...Our response is what matters. A quiet heart is content with what God gives." p. 55
"The events around us, often mundane, sometimes horrific, can speak to us more clearly than any preacher. From them, we understand bedrock truths such as humility ('I am not the center of the universe'), neediness ('I cannot provide for myself. Other people will let let me down. God will have to provide for me'), and response ('God is in charge and I will trust Him')...The joy and sorrow we experience in the circumstances of our lives speak to us about mysteries of God's sovereignty that are only apprehended by a faith-filled acceptance of every incident." p. 65
"As Jesus' suffering included the full range of human experiences, so does ours. I fall back on a simple definition of suffering: 'having what you don't want, or wanting what you don't have'...that pretty much covers the matter -- everything from the grossest injustices to the quarrel you had this morning." p. 126
January 21, 2021
On our own strength, we are not going to get beyond our natural emotions. But God wants to transform (yes, He really does!) every aspect of our inward selves to bring our wills and feelings under the control of His lordship.
A study in transformation, this book is best read slowly. Perhaps a chapter or a section a day. Well written. Elliot shares little of her extraordinary life because that’s documented elsewhere; here she shares transforming love and obedience. Yes, she writes a lot about suffering.
The deepest spiritual lesson come comes through suffering. It takes the deep water and the hot fire and the dark valley to teach us the walk of faith.
Writing expressly for Christians, Elliot offers wisdom for all. The gleanings of a life well, but painfully lived. Elliot shares her heart, not get-rich or get-sanctimonious quickly formulae.
Our response is what matters. A quiet heart is content with what God gives. It is enough. All is grace.
A study in transformation, this book is best read slowly. Perhaps a chapter or a section a day. Well written. Elliot shares little of her extraordinary life because that’s documented elsewhere; here she shares transforming love and obedience. Yes, she writes a lot about suffering.
The deepest spiritual lesson come comes through suffering. It takes the deep water and the hot fire and the dark valley to teach us the walk of faith.
Writing expressly for Christians, Elliot offers wisdom for all. The gleanings of a life well, but painfully lived. Elliot shares her heart, not get-rich or get-sanctimonious quickly formulae.
Our response is what matters. A quiet heart is content with what God gives. It is enough. All is grace.
January 31, 2023
I love EE’s straight forward manner - as if she is sitting at my kitchen table discussing our Christian walk. This book, published in 2003, gives reflections on the christian life, from the Scriptural viewpoint that, “we cannot live the life of Christ-bearer on our own”. It is He in us who makes it possible for us to show the world who He is and the way to Him.
October 22, 2025
Excellent book! Elliot excels at conveying wisdom from her long life of following Christ. She writes in a way that is direct and super scripturally founded and draws off of many personal anecdotes and stories of missionaries. She truly writes as someone who has finished the race and fought the good fight! She doesn’t shy away from hard topics and enduring suffering and always points towards the truth that we need to turn to Christ. Take aways:
- our lives are not going to be easy, we are guaranteed suffering but often our perspective can effect whether we grow through trials with Christ
- in acceptance lieth peace
- we can choose to offer our pain to God, to receive our lot with open hands, to praise God in hardship and to do the next thing
- our modern cozy friendship with God can deprive us of awe filled appreciation for his sovereignty as supreme, unlimited, all-loving, absolute ruler of everything
- Ruth 3:18 “sit still, my daughter, until thou know how the matter will fall”
- a quiet heart is content with what God gives. It is enough. All is grace.
- God wants us. He meets us. He takes us forward. He wants us to be holy. He chose us before we chose him. He wants to bring us safely home through every temptation
- simple obedience: walk with God and present yourself as a living sacrifice, pray and read your Bible, do your best to do to live as God wills
- our prayers are incense to God
- prayer is powerful
- Job 1:20-21 “naked I came from my mothers womb and naked I will depart. The lord gave and the Lord has taken away. May the name of the Lord be praised”
- when we suffer we have a share in Christs sufferings
- Christ is in you. Christ is in me. It is not two spirits hanging out, but two melding into one, making us more and more like God
- Christ is our hope and glory
- our lives are not going to be easy, we are guaranteed suffering but often our perspective can effect whether we grow through trials with Christ
- in acceptance lieth peace
- we can choose to offer our pain to God, to receive our lot with open hands, to praise God in hardship and to do the next thing
- our modern cozy friendship with God can deprive us of awe filled appreciation for his sovereignty as supreme, unlimited, all-loving, absolute ruler of everything
- Ruth 3:18 “sit still, my daughter, until thou know how the matter will fall”
- a quiet heart is content with what God gives. It is enough. All is grace.
- God wants us. He meets us. He takes us forward. He wants us to be holy. He chose us before we chose him. He wants to bring us safely home through every temptation
- simple obedience: walk with God and present yourself as a living sacrifice, pray and read your Bible, do your best to do to live as God wills
- our prayers are incense to God
- prayer is powerful
- Job 1:20-21 “naked I came from my mothers womb and naked I will depart. The lord gave and the Lord has taken away. May the name of the Lord be praised”
- when we suffer we have a share in Christs sufferings
- Christ is in you. Christ is in me. It is not two spirits hanging out, but two melding into one, making us more and more like God
- Christ is our hope and glory
January 9, 2018
If I could give it more than five stars, I would.
You know when a book is so meaningful to a person that they hand you a copy out of a *box* of copies they keep on-hand? This is where my copy of Be Still My Soul came from. A loving friend gifted me with it. I fully understand why she kept a box. What a tool of the Lord! Although almost all of Elliot's books have changed me, this one ranks near my favorite, and is probably my "best read" of 2016.
You know when a book is so meaningful to a person that they hand you a copy out of a *box* of copies they keep on-hand? This is where my copy of Be Still My Soul came from. A loving friend gifted me with it. I fully understand why she kept a box. What a tool of the Lord! Although almost all of Elliot's books have changed me, this one ranks near my favorite, and is probably my "best read" of 2016.
August 25, 2025
“I have spent my life plumbing the depths of what it means to be a Christian. I am, as of this morning, still learning.” - Elisabeth Elliot
This book was given to my mother by a godly friend after her diagnosis of terminal cancer, a 7 year journey that would bring her to the celestial city in 2022. I providentially stumbled across her copy of this book a month ago, all marked up with her underlines, notes, and hallmark smiley faces. Was a refreshing read not just to hear Elliot’s final reflections on her Christian walk, but to see what stood out to my mother as she reflected on her life and the difficult path the Lord sovereignly allowed her to walk through.
Definitely recommend this one to anyone regardless of where they’re at in their pilgrimage.
Some of my favorite quotes:
- “We are like chalices, empty vessels willing and ready to be filled with the life of God. Cleaned out in the process, we are poured out for others.”
- “If we fill up in trivialities or anxieties, we won’t have room in our hearts for Him. For Christ-bearers, there is no dichotomy between secular work and spiritual work.”
- “There is no hope for any of us until we confess our helplessness to be Christian. Then we are in a position to receive grace. There we have the ‘terms’: grace - first, last, and always.”
- “The specters of loneliness, illness, abandonment, and the serial deprivation of our powers stare back at us from the furrowed and sagging face. But God will be there. There is no need to fear the future, God is already there, and God’s promise for us is, ‘They still bring forth fruit in old age’ (Ps. 92:14). The best fruit will be what is produced by the best-pruned branch.”
- “God never does anything to us that isn’t for us.”
- “In acceptance lieth peace.” - Amy Carmichael
- “It is a glad and voluntary YES to the conditions we meet on our journey with Him, because these are the conditions He wants us to share with Him. Events are the sacraments of the Will of God … these provide the very place where we may learn to love and trust … nothing is for nothing … all I have to do is accept it.”
- Six choices that lead to acceptance: 1. Choose your attitude, 2. Choose to offer your pain to God, 3. Choose to receive what God has given with open hands, 4. Choose to renew your commitment to Him, 5. Choose to praise Him as Habakkuk did, 6. Choose to do the next thing.
- “All events serve His will … the secret is Christ in me, not in a different set of circumstances.”
- “What a relief - after we have turned our lives over to our Savior Jesus, we do not need to be in charge of them any longer.”
This book was given to my mother by a godly friend after her diagnosis of terminal cancer, a 7 year journey that would bring her to the celestial city in 2022. I providentially stumbled across her copy of this book a month ago, all marked up with her underlines, notes, and hallmark smiley faces. Was a refreshing read not just to hear Elliot’s final reflections on her Christian walk, but to see what stood out to my mother as she reflected on her life and the difficult path the Lord sovereignly allowed her to walk through.
Definitely recommend this one to anyone regardless of where they’re at in their pilgrimage.
Some of my favorite quotes:
- “We are like chalices, empty vessels willing and ready to be filled with the life of God. Cleaned out in the process, we are poured out for others.”
- “If we fill up in trivialities or anxieties, we won’t have room in our hearts for Him. For Christ-bearers, there is no dichotomy between secular work and spiritual work.”
- “There is no hope for any of us until we confess our helplessness to be Christian. Then we are in a position to receive grace. There we have the ‘terms’: grace - first, last, and always.”
- “The specters of loneliness, illness, abandonment, and the serial deprivation of our powers stare back at us from the furrowed and sagging face. But God will be there. There is no need to fear the future, God is already there, and God’s promise for us is, ‘They still bring forth fruit in old age’ (Ps. 92:14). The best fruit will be what is produced by the best-pruned branch.”
- “God never does anything to us that isn’t for us.”
- “In acceptance lieth peace.” - Amy Carmichael
- “It is a glad and voluntary YES to the conditions we meet on our journey with Him, because these are the conditions He wants us to share with Him. Events are the sacraments of the Will of God … these provide the very place where we may learn to love and trust … nothing is for nothing … all I have to do is accept it.”
- Six choices that lead to acceptance: 1. Choose your attitude, 2. Choose to offer your pain to God, 3. Choose to receive what God has given with open hands, 4. Choose to renew your commitment to Him, 5. Choose to praise Him as Habakkuk did, 6. Choose to do the next thing.
- “All events serve His will … the secret is Christ in me, not in a different set of circumstances.”
- “What a relief - after we have turned our lives over to our Savior Jesus, we do not need to be in charge of them any longer.”
June 20, 2024
What does it mean to rest in God's presence? This collection of ten short essays by Elisabeth Elliot not only provides insight into being still before the Lord, but is also peppered with memorable anecdotes and quotes from Scripture of what God's rest can look in our lives. There is a natural progression from acceptance and peace to suffering to the hope of glory, which brings readers through a journey of full surrender to Jesus. The missionary stories are my favourite and bring the teachings to life.
If you're looking for a quick read that will bring calmness to your heart and soul, this is a book that can be devoured over multiple readings or all at once. Elisabeth's approachable manner of writing makes reading her books a comforting experience. The quotes contained within are relevant, and the topics are engaging enough that they will allow readers to continually ponder them long after finishing the book.
Review link: https://christianshelves.blogspot.com...
If you're looking for a quick read that will bring calmness to your heart and soul, this is a book that can be devoured over multiple readings or all at once. Elisabeth's approachable manner of writing makes reading her books a comforting experience. The quotes contained within are relevant, and the topics are engaging enough that they will allow readers to continually ponder them long after finishing the book.
Review link: https://christianshelves.blogspot.com...
April 26, 2020
There is nothing like Elisabeth’s solid, Biblical wisdom to help me refocus on truth and face life with courage. This was just what I needed to read right now.
Read
December 7, 2024Thank you Elisabeth!
“The Lord of the universe had taken on the body of an ordinary, vulnerable, and mortal man in order that He might suffer and be totally emptied and annihilated — to bring God’s life into the world.”
AMEN.
“The Lord of the universe had taken on the body of an ordinary, vulnerable, and mortal man in order that He might suffer and be totally emptied and annihilated — to bring God’s life into the world.”
AMEN.
August 27, 2008
About a week ago, a friend brought by some books that she was giving away for Mike and I to look through. Never one to resist the offer of free books, I took a couple that looked good, and started reading one of them right away -- Be Still My Soul by Elisabeth Ellliot. As soon as I started reading it, I knew that the book was a gift from the Lord. I even went ahead and wrote "to Jennifer" on the front flap, because I knew God had hand-picked the book just for me, and divinely arranged for it to land in that box of give-away books!
The book is all about stillness of soul in the midst of suffering -- any kind of suffering. It addresses concepts such as:
-The role of suffering in emptying us to be filled with Christ
-God's pruning us to ultimately produce fruitfulness
-God's blessing of giving in faith in the midst of suffering (See the story of the widow's oil & flour in I Kings 17:11-12)
-Waiting on God
-Choosing an attitude of acceptance & praise in the midst of suffering
-Growing in humility & meekness through suffering
-Developing servanthood
-Peace & stillness in the midst of uncertainty
-Learning to trust & obey
-The role of prayer in suffering
This book meant a lot to me particularly as I've been unemployed, and seeking hard for work for a month. As the days have ticked by and turned into weeks with no job offers, God has drawn me to himself in a new and deeper way. Reading Be Still My Soul helped me to understand and appreciate this process of growth through suffering that I've been experiencing.
Aside from the fact that the theme of the book has been just perfect for me right now, Elisabeth Elliot's style could not have been more helpful. She spoke to my heart as if we were sitting down for a cup of coffee together, older Christian woman to younger one. And she truly speaks from experience -- God took her down an amazing road of suffering. One facet of her experience is the loss of her husband Jim Elliot, killed as a missionary. Elisabeth Elliot's words are filled with an authenticity that I know comes only from genuine experience. Her words hold power because they have been shaped by God.
I'll close by quoting a few passages from the book that I want to remember:
"All our little fussiness and haste, all our strong anxiety and warping care are as futile as the tugging of a little child's hand at the great iron knob of a closed and barred gate through which his loving father does not care to have him go just then."
"Once we visited Spain just after the vineyards had been pruned. The vines were cut back practically to the ground leaving nothing but little stumps. it was hard to imagine that from those stubby remains would grow healthy vines bearing heavy clusters of juicy grapes. The pruning process makes us look and feel like those vines."
"Do you think the Shepherd is going to make it hard for the sheep to follow Him? The Shepherd is much more interested in making sure that the sheep get to where they belong than the sheep are in getting there -- much more interested."
--Jen
The book is all about stillness of soul in the midst of suffering -- any kind of suffering. It addresses concepts such as:
-The role of suffering in emptying us to be filled with Christ
-God's pruning us to ultimately produce fruitfulness
-God's blessing of giving in faith in the midst of suffering (See the story of the widow's oil & flour in I Kings 17:11-12)
-Waiting on God
-Choosing an attitude of acceptance & praise in the midst of suffering
-Growing in humility & meekness through suffering
-Developing servanthood
-Peace & stillness in the midst of uncertainty
-Learning to trust & obey
-The role of prayer in suffering
This book meant a lot to me particularly as I've been unemployed, and seeking hard for work for a month. As the days have ticked by and turned into weeks with no job offers, God has drawn me to himself in a new and deeper way. Reading Be Still My Soul helped me to understand and appreciate this process of growth through suffering that I've been experiencing.
Aside from the fact that the theme of the book has been just perfect for me right now, Elisabeth Elliot's style could not have been more helpful. She spoke to my heart as if we were sitting down for a cup of coffee together, older Christian woman to younger one. And she truly speaks from experience -- God took her down an amazing road of suffering. One facet of her experience is the loss of her husband Jim Elliot, killed as a missionary. Elisabeth Elliot's words are filled with an authenticity that I know comes only from genuine experience. Her words hold power because they have been shaped by God.
I'll close by quoting a few passages from the book that I want to remember:
"All our little fussiness and haste, all our strong anxiety and warping care are as futile as the tugging of a little child's hand at the great iron knob of a closed and barred gate through which his loving father does not care to have him go just then."
"Once we visited Spain just after the vineyards had been pruned. The vines were cut back practically to the ground leaving nothing but little stumps. it was hard to imagine that from those stubby remains would grow healthy vines bearing heavy clusters of juicy grapes. The pruning process makes us look and feel like those vines."
"Do you think the Shepherd is going to make it hard for the sheep to follow Him? The Shepherd is much more interested in making sure that the sheep get to where they belong than the sheep are in getting there -- much more interested."
--Jen
January 30, 2018
Ruth Bell Graham's statement on the back cover of the book sums up Elisabeth Elliot's work pretty well. She says, "We have a way of making Christian concepts complicated, and Elisabeth has a way of untying the knots with grace." I would say that Elisabeth Elliot cuts more knots than she unties, though! She's pretty no-nonsense about most things. In this particular book, I especially appreciated the chapters titled "Acceptance and Peace," "All Things are Yours," and "Longsuffering Love" (although I originally thought it was called "Longsuffering" because the main topic is suffering).
June 21, 2019
I've only finished the first five chapters, so far, but I can report that they're fantastic.
Don't miss the last chapter.
Her writings aren't bland pabulum that makes your brain glaze over, but it doesn't make you feel hopeless like you'll never attain to anything either. I hope I'm getting this analogy right, they're like baby bear's stuff, they're just right.
She shares God's Love so that you feel it yourself.
Don't miss the last chapter.
Her writings aren't bland pabulum that makes your brain glaze over, but it doesn't make you feel hopeless like you'll never attain to anything either. I hope I'm getting this analogy right, they're like baby bear's stuff, they're just right.
She shares God's Love so that you feel it yourself.
July 3, 2015
My go-to book for comfort.
February 21, 2024
A friend from church lent me this book and it took me a bit to get into it, but once I did I really appreciated it. I read a handful of chapters during a summer when all of life seemed up in the air, and then I came back and started over last week.
I have to admit that I don't love Elizabeth Elliot's tone. She comes across as pretty matter of fact and sometimes that's off-putting. But after I had read a couple of chapters, I got used to it and it was easy to accept it as her style and the way that God made her. She has a personality and bent like anyone.
What overshadows her lack of warmth is her commitment to truth and a right view of God. Since this was a friend's copy, I didn't make any marks, but I know if it were my copy that I would have underlined quite a bit. There were so many thoughts that were so helpful because they were encouraging or convicting, or both! An added joy of reading a borrowed copy was that my friend had marked quite a bit. I loved the legacy that it represented - the ministry of God to Elizabeth Elliot through her life and circumstances and the ministry of her words to my friend and the ministry of my friend through all of that to me. I loved seeing what my friend had been most impacted by.
The chapters in the book cover different themes like holiness, obedience, suffering, acceptance and others. They're quick to get through but they're each full of insight and quotable maxims. I think they could almost be read interchangeably when you need a good shot in the arm (as my mom would say), because each one points to scripture, reminds us of our responsibility to "trust and obey" and reassures us of the power of Christ in us to accomplish it.
In this book Elizabeth Elliot is a good friend who tells you like it is and gives advice that doesn't just sound good, but does good. Now that I'm returning this copy to my friend, I'll be buying one for myself because I know I need that sort of encouragement/admonishment more often that I'd like to admit.
Some of my particularly favorite thoughts are:
"Grace — first, last, and always." (pg. 15)
"The very pleasures of human life men acquire by difficulties." (quoting St. Augustine, pg. 23)
"God never does anything to us that isn't for us." (pg. 30)
"Christ has died, Christ has risen, Christ will come again. Nothing can undermine those facts." (pg. 32)
"God knows all about the boats." (quoting a missionary about a delay of several days caused by lack of transportation, pg. 34)
"The stillness is hard to bear—and God knows that. He is very patient with us when we are trying to be patient with Him." (pg. 34)
"Accustom yourself to unreasonableness and injustice. God sees these things far better than you do and permits them!" (quoting St. Francis de Sales, pg. 37)
"Not knowing His will in every circumstance heightens our awareness of our need for Him and enhances our ongoing relationship with Him." (pg. 84)
"The Shepherd is much more interested in making sure that the sheep get to where they belong than the sheep are in getting there—much more interested." (pg. 85)
"'As for me, being on the way, the Lord led me' (Genesis 24:27). That is how it is when we're walking with Him. 'Being on the way,' walking in loving relationship with our Savior, our feet are directed onto the right path every time." (pg. 95-96)
"I wonder if one of the reasons God doesn't give us more clues about what heaven is going to be like is that we would never manage to keep our minds on our work if we knew. It would be like telling little children ahead of time where the Christmas presents are hidden." (pg. 142)
I have to admit that I don't love Elizabeth Elliot's tone. She comes across as pretty matter of fact and sometimes that's off-putting. But after I had read a couple of chapters, I got used to it and it was easy to accept it as her style and the way that God made her. She has a personality and bent like anyone.
What overshadows her lack of warmth is her commitment to truth and a right view of God. Since this was a friend's copy, I didn't make any marks, but I know if it were my copy that I would have underlined quite a bit. There were so many thoughts that were so helpful because they were encouraging or convicting, or both! An added joy of reading a borrowed copy was that my friend had marked quite a bit. I loved the legacy that it represented - the ministry of God to Elizabeth Elliot through her life and circumstances and the ministry of her words to my friend and the ministry of my friend through all of that to me. I loved seeing what my friend had been most impacted by.
The chapters in the book cover different themes like holiness, obedience, suffering, acceptance and others. They're quick to get through but they're each full of insight and quotable maxims. I think they could almost be read interchangeably when you need a good shot in the arm (as my mom would say), because each one points to scripture, reminds us of our responsibility to "trust and obey" and reassures us of the power of Christ in us to accomplish it.
In this book Elizabeth Elliot is a good friend who tells you like it is and gives advice that doesn't just sound good, but does good. Now that I'm returning this copy to my friend, I'll be buying one for myself because I know I need that sort of encouragement/admonishment more often that I'd like to admit.
Some of my particularly favorite thoughts are:
"Grace — first, last, and always." (pg. 15)
"The very pleasures of human life men acquire by difficulties." (quoting St. Augustine, pg. 23)
"God never does anything to us that isn't for us." (pg. 30)
"Christ has died, Christ has risen, Christ will come again. Nothing can undermine those facts." (pg. 32)
"God knows all about the boats." (quoting a missionary about a delay of several days caused by lack of transportation, pg. 34)
"The stillness is hard to bear—and God knows that. He is very patient with us when we are trying to be patient with Him." (pg. 34)
"Accustom yourself to unreasonableness and injustice. God sees these things far better than you do and permits them!" (quoting St. Francis de Sales, pg. 37)
"Not knowing His will in every circumstance heightens our awareness of our need for Him and enhances our ongoing relationship with Him." (pg. 84)
"The Shepherd is much more interested in making sure that the sheep get to where they belong than the sheep are in getting there—much more interested." (pg. 85)
"'As for me, being on the way, the Lord led me' (Genesis 24:27). That is how it is when we're walking with Him. 'Being on the way,' walking in loving relationship with our Savior, our feet are directed onto the right path every time." (pg. 95-96)
"I wonder if one of the reasons God doesn't give us more clues about what heaven is going to be like is that we would never manage to keep our minds on our work if we knew. It would be like telling little children ahead of time where the Christmas presents are hidden." (pg. 142)
July 14, 2023
I would like to say one thing. I hate when people review things poorly simply because they were not the intended Audience of a book. However, it does affect how a book speaks to you. This one, spoke to me like a 3 star book, but I could easily imagine how the housewife (Elizabeth’s words not mine) would see this in view of 5 stars. With that I give it 4.
I don’t felt like I understood every point. Maybe I’m just used to a different vernacular and sentence structure, idk. Also some views were a little oddly out of left field. Not in a heretical way, just in a “huh, a odd way of thinking of that”
I liked her confidence and swagger
She did repeat the same anecdotes to demonstrate different points. Each time introducing it like it was foreign. I found that odd.
Inspired by her Faith, and her vulnerability
Big fan of (I can’t remember her name) her family’s maid who’s daily schedule included multiple “rest and pray”
I think this book in the near future will help me to see a peace that comes from acceptance. To accept that I’m not where I need to be in the Sanctification process, but I’m glad to be feeling hopeless on my own, and joyous hopeful in Jesus.
I don’t felt like I understood every point. Maybe I’m just used to a different vernacular and sentence structure, idk. Also some views were a little oddly out of left field. Not in a heretical way, just in a “huh, a odd way of thinking of that”
I liked her confidence and swagger
She did repeat the same anecdotes to demonstrate different points. Each time introducing it like it was foreign. I found that odd.
Inspired by her Faith, and her vulnerability
Big fan of (I can’t remember her name) her family’s maid who’s daily schedule included multiple “rest and pray”
I think this book in the near future will help me to see a peace that comes from acceptance. To accept that I’m not where I need to be in the Sanctification process, but I’m glad to be feeling hopeless on my own, and joyous hopeful in Jesus.
August 13, 2020
This is a beautiful book. I love how Elisabeth Elliot gets to the root of my problem which is the sin in my heart. The entire book her words point to Christ. She refers to scripture and uses stories from other missionaries. Because our identity is found in Christ, we can trust that He will complete His good and perfect work in us—that is what I got from this book. My fav chapter was the one on prayer. “In recognition of our individuality, the Shephard of our souls issues a personal call. Sheep know the voice of the Shephard and will not follow a stranger. ‘He calls His own sheep by name and leads them out.” He is the one who calls us, who chose us. Praise God! Soo much good truth in this book. I can’t say enough good things
October 22, 2019
As always a lovely and encouraging book by Elisabeth Elliot. I put in a lot of bookmarks and will be underlining those places. Even the cover is beautiful, but it is her genuine, heartfelt words that make the book what it is. There is sure to be something in there that will speak to each reader, so I highly recommend it to anyone who is interested in reading it! So worth the read!
February 20, 2021
This was an amazing little book just going over what it really means to live a Christian life. I loved each chapter as it reviewed different aspects of our faith.
I would definitely recommend this little book.
I would definitely recommend this little book.
July 1, 2021
I’ll be reading this one again.
February 14, 2025
Many wise words! Much of it resonated with me and I’m glad I read it. This was my first Elliot book to read, so I’m not sure if they are all like this one.
A person who has been through a great deal of suffering is certainly qualified to write about it. However, I found myself wishing she would refrain from using herself as the example of righteous living as often as she did.
Perhaps that is too harsh. She does have a great perspective and all of us can learn from what she has to say. I would definitely recommend this book!
A person who has been through a great deal of suffering is certainly qualified to write about it. However, I found myself wishing she would refrain from using herself as the example of righteous living as often as she did.
Perhaps that is too harsh. She does have a great perspective and all of us can learn from what she has to say. I would definitely recommend this book!
December 16, 2016
I never cease to be amazed by Elisabeth Elliot's words.
Some books about faith have bits and pieces of truth scattered throughout the ink on the paper. Others ramble, or neglect to back up their reflections with Scripture. Still more ignore the Trinity, focusing on one or two rather than all three of the Persons of God.
Elisabeth Elliot does none of these things. Each sentence she writes is purposeful, full of grace, and can stand alone. Yet as a whole, these sentences come together to create a beautiful picture of what it means to follow the Lord with one's entire life. I am always deeply moved by the things Elliot shares, and I am thankful that God gave her the gift of writing, that so many of us might be blessed by her own walk with Christ.
Struggling or rejoicing, this is a beautiful little book that illuminates what it truly means to be still before Him.
Some books about faith have bits and pieces of truth scattered throughout the ink on the paper. Others ramble, or neglect to back up their reflections with Scripture. Still more ignore the Trinity, focusing on one or two rather than all three of the Persons of God.
Elisabeth Elliot does none of these things. Each sentence she writes is purposeful, full of grace, and can stand alone. Yet as a whole, these sentences come together to create a beautiful picture of what it means to follow the Lord with one's entire life. I am always deeply moved by the things Elliot shares, and I am thankful that God gave her the gift of writing, that so many of us might be blessed by her own walk with Christ.
Struggling or rejoicing, this is a beautiful little book that illuminates what it truly means to be still before Him.
July 12, 2016
I loved this book. Elisabeth Elliot has such wisdom to share! She talks about some important points as we endeavor to be Christ-bearers, and how we need to be servant's to others, be longsuffering, to walk with Jesus, and these are just a few of the many things she discusses with the reader in this book.
This was such a refreshing read and one that I highly recommend.
I recommend this book to ages 14 and up.
This was such a refreshing read and one that I highly recommend.
I recommend this book to ages 14 and up.
July 29, 2016
A few favorite quotes:
- "There is no need to fear the future, God is already there."
- "God included the hardships of my life in His original plan. Nothing takes Him by surprise. Nothing is for nothing. His plan is to make me holy, and hardship is indispensable for that as long as I live in this hard old world. All I have to do is accept it.""
- "Our problems cannot always be fixed, but they can always be accepted as the very will of God for now."
- "There is no need to fear the future, God is already there."
- "God included the hardships of my life in His original plan. Nothing takes Him by surprise. Nothing is for nothing. His plan is to make me holy, and hardship is indispensable for that as long as I live in this hard old world. All I have to do is accept it.""
- "Our problems cannot always be fixed, but they can always be accepted as the very will of God for now."
April 20, 2014
I have for years admired Elisabeth Elliot. Her and Jim Elliot's love story had a profound effect on me during my teen years. I felt so challenged by their life and hearts for the Lord. Again, Elisabeth Elliot has challenged me and offered me many thoughts to ponder and verses to draw comfort from. Be Still My Soul is such an incredibly good book that reminded me God is truly in control and nothing is out of His hands.
February 19, 2016
You just can't go wrong adding a book by Elisabeth Elliot to your reading list at least once a year. She writes with such a beautiful unshakeable confidence in the sovereignty of God and brings life to your daily walk in a simple, straightforward manner that makes you feel so encouraged and refreshed.
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