I have several books that I peruse to learn about hymn writers and their life testimonies. I will be the first to admit that I adore contemporary praise and worship choruses and songs, however, a special place in my heart of worship is reserved for these hymns.
"It is Well with my Soul" was written by Horatio Spafford during the 1800's. The never changing ways of God are apparent in the words of these hymns that are centuries old. Not unlike many of us, Spafford's life was punctuated with tragedy, yet he continued in his service and praise to our Heavenly Father. He suffered major losses from the Chicago Fire of 1871. Following that event, his four daughters perished in a collision between ships crossing the Atlantic. The Holy Spirit inspired the lyrics to this favorite hymn as he crossed those very Atlantic waters where his daughters died.
No matter what I have faced or will face in my life, it is well with my soul. If I close my eyes tonight and awake in a Heavenly Home, it is well with my soul. Such assurance and peace this knowledge gives to me. God longs for each of His children to seek Him, accept His forgiveness, live for Him, love Him, and be promised the gift of eternal life.
Can you say tonight that it is well with your soul?
When peace, like a river, attendeth my way,
When sorrows like sea billows roll;
Whatever my lot, Thou has taught me to say,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.
Refrain
It is well, with my soul,
It is well, with my soul,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.
Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come,
Let this blest assurance control,
That Christ has regarded my helpless estate,
And hath shed His own blood for my soul.
Refrain
My sin, oh, the bliss of this glorious thought!
My sin, not in part but the whole,
Is nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more,
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul!
Refrain
For me, be it Christ, be it Christ hence to live:
If Jordan above me shall roll,
No pang shall be mine, for in death as in life
Thou wilt whisper Thy peace to my soul.
Refrain
But, Lord, ‘tis for Thee, for Thy coming we wait,
The sky, not the grave, is our goal;
Oh trump of the angel! Oh voice of the Lord!
Blessèd hope, blessèd rest of my soul!
Refrain
And Lord, haste the day when my faith shall be sight,
The clouds be rolled back as a scroll;
The trump shall resound, and the Lord shall descend,
Even so, it is well with my soul.
Refrain
2 comments:
This hymn has always been a special favorite of mine. Thanks for writing up the history behind it. Have you ever heard 'Selah' sing it? They do an excellent job!
Nearly 20 years ago, I performed an emotional script, playing Horatio Spafford and what may have been his agonizing monologue with God as he poured out his heart to Him and confessed first anger and then the agony deep in his soul over the loss of his children. I was dressed in character and even had a small area with props from that time period with a desk, quill pen, etc. Although it had not happened during my rehearsals, at the time of the performance I was so into character that I had real tears flowing. And then as he listened to God speak to him, he sat down and penned the words to this hymn. At that point the choir began singing this hymn. Unfortunately I had never rehearsed with the choir and apparently only the director had seen the script. The choir had difficulty singing because many were crying and tears were streaming down their cheeks. I was positioned over to the side and I could see both the choir and the congregation and there wasn't a dry eye that I could see. It was one of the most emotional events in which I have participated. Since that time, this has been my very favorite hymn.
Thank you for this post. I think this will have special significance for Little Man, many years from now.
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