Born: October 3, 1832, in the rectory at Fröderyd, Småland, Sweden.
Died: July 27, 1903, Stockholm, Sweden.
Buried: Solna Kyrkogård, Solna, Sweden.
In the darkest moments of our lives, we often find ourselves reaching for a song. A melody that echoes the cry of our hearts, lyrics that speak to our deepest fears and hopes. For countless believers across generations, the hymns of Karolina Wilhelmina Sandell-Berg, known simply as Lina, have been that voice of comfort in the night. Born on October 3, 1832, in Fröderyd, Sweden, Lina would become one of the most prolific and beloved hymn writers of her time, leaving a legacy of over 600 hymns that continue to inspire and uplift to this day.
Lina grew up in a Lutheran rectory, the daughter of Pastor Jonas Sandell. From a young age, she was frail and often confined to bed due to partial paralysis. But her physical limitations could not dampen her vibrant spirit or her love for God. Lina found solace in her father’s study, immersing herself in the Bible and poetry while other children played outside.
At the tender age of 12, Lina experienced a miraculous healing that would shape the course of her life. One Sunday morning, as her parents worshipped in church, Lina began earnestly praying and reading Scripture. When her parents returned, they were amazed to find her dressed and walking freely. This tangible encounter with God’s power ignited a flame of faith in Lina’s heart that would fuel her life’s work.
Lina’s journey was not without sorrow. At the age of 26, she witnessed a tragedy that would leave an indelible mark on her life and her lyrics. While crossing Lake Vättern with her beloved father, Lina watched helplessly as he fell overboard and drowned. The loss was devastating, but in her grief, Lina turned to the one source of comfort that had never failed her: her Savior.
As she poured out her broken heart in prayer, something remarkable happened. Hymns began to flow from Lina’s pen like never before, giving voice to her pain, her hope, and her unwavering trust in God. Songs like “Children of the Heavenly Father” and “Day by Day” were born from this crucible of suffering, testifying to a faith that endures through the darkest of nights.
Lina’s hymns quickly caught the attention of noted singers and musicians of her day. Oscar Ahnfelt, a talented guitarist and vocalist, began setting her lyrics to music and performing them throughout Scandinavia. Lina would later remark that Ahnfelt had “sung my songs into the hearts of the people.” The famed opera singer Jenny Lind, known as the “Swedish Nightingale,” also championed Lina’s work, singing her hymns in concert and even financing their publication.
But perhaps the most enduring impact of Lina’s hymns was felt in the spiritual revival that swept across Scandinavia in the late 19th century. Her songs of hope, comfort, and unwavering faith struck a chord with countless hearts, drawing them closer to the God she loved so dearly. Lina’s lyrics, paired with Ahnfelt’s melodies, became the soundtrack of a generation’s spiritual awakening.
Today, Lina Sandell’s legacy lives on in the hymns we sing and the lives they continue to touch. Songs like “Day by Day” have crossed oceans and generations, offering a timeless reminder of God’s faithfulness in every circumstance. Lina’s story is a testament to the truth that our deepest sorrows can become the soil for our most beautiful praise.
As we face the trials and uncertainties of our own lives, may we draw inspiration from this remarkable woman who discovered the secret of an unshakeable faith. Like Lina, may we learn to trust in the One who is our “refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble” (Psalm 46:1). And may our lives, like hers, leave a legacy of praise that echoes through the ages.
