By Mosie Lister (1958)

“’Til the Storm Passes By” is more than a Southern Gospel standard; it is a heartfelt prayer set to music. Written in 1958 by Mosie Lister, one of Southern Gospel’s most beloved and prolific hymnwriters, this song emerged from a place of deep empathy and spiritual sensitivity. Lister was not only a gifted composer but also a man of compassion who understood the quiet cries of the suffering. He had often ministered to individuals weighed down by depression, grief, fear, and trials that seemed unending. The result of this burden was a hymn that captured the hidden prayers of many: the longing to feel safe until the storms of life subside.

The metaphor of a storm is a common biblical image representing trials and hardships. Lister used this imagery to portray the believer clinging to God in the darkness, asking, “Keep me safe ‘til the storm passes by.” This is not the cry of hopelessness, but rather one of confidence in the God who governs the storm and shields His people within it.

Mark 4:37, 39 (KJV) provides a powerful parallel to the message of the song:

“And there arose a great storm of wind, and the waves beat into the ship... And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still.”

Just as Jesus calmed the raging sea that threatened His disciples, so too does He calm the fears of His people today. The hymn echoes that same divine reassurance.

The Inspiration Behind the Song

The idea for the song reportedly came to Lister after hearing a sermon or devotional that emphasized God's presence during life’s fiercest storms. The message stayed with him and led him to consider the many faithful Christians who suffer silently, wondering whether the morning would ever come after the long night of pain. Motivated by this burden, he wrote the lyrics prayerfully and with deep sincerity.

One line in the second stanza particularly reveals the spiritual depth of the hymn:

“Many times Satan whispered, ‘There is no need to try.’”

These words give voice to the internal battles many believers face. They reflect the whispered lies of the enemy who tries to drain hope from the soul. Yet the Christian, like David and Job of old, can respond with Scriptures like Psalm 27:13:

“I had fainted, unless I had believed to see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living.”

And again, Psalm 91:2 testifies:

“I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust.”

God’s Shelter in the Middle of the Storm

Among the most tender lines in the hymn is the plea:

“Hold me fast, let me stand in the hollow of Thy hand...”

This speaks directly to God’s promise to uphold His people. Even when the storm does not immediately subside, the believer finds safety in the Lord’s presence.

Isaiah 41:13 reminds us:

“For I the LORD thy God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, Fear not; I will help thee.”

Psalm 31:20 further affirms:

“Thou shalt hide them in the secret of thy presence...”

Lister’s song reassures the believer that God’s hand never releases His child, even in the fiercest tempests.

A Song with Enduring Comfort

Since its release in 1958, “‘Til the Storm Passes By” has been sung in churches, revivals, hospital rooms, prisons, and funerals around the world. Its message of divine comfort and hope has reached hearts across generations. Southern Gospel groups such as the Cathedrals and the Gaither Vocal Band helped make it a staple of Christian encouragement.

Psalm 30:5 gives the core message of the song:

“Weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.”

And Isaiah 43:2 promises:

“When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee...”

This hymn has become more than just a song—it is a lifeline for those facing personal storms. It tells of a Savior who doesn’t always remove the storm immediately but always walks with us through it. Mosie Lister’s heartfelt lyrics offer solace to weary souls and encouragement to those still waiting for the calm.

In a world that often seems flooded with chaos and hardship, “‘Til the Storm Passes By” continues to be a reminder of peace, hope, and the steady presence of God.

Psalm 46:10 gently calls to every storm-tossed heart:

“Be still, and know that I am God.”

 

Check out the Song Page here: https://hymnallibrary.org/hymns/til-the-storm-passes-by/