"It Is Well With My Soul"

One of my favorite hymns is "It Is Well With My Soul" written by Horatio G. Spafford, 1873. The story about the writing of this song is so tragic. Spafford, a dedicated Christian, decided to take his family on a vacation to Europe after a difficult time in Chicago. Several of his investment properties were destroyed in the Chicago fire. Spafford, an attorney, was detained by urgent business but sent his wife and four daughters on ahead on the S.S. Ville du Havrve. He would follow soon. 

Midway through the Atlantic, the ship his family was on was hit by an English ship and it sank in 12 minutes. All four daughters were lost in the ocean but his wife was one of the few who was rescued. As Spafford sailed to join his grieving wife in Wales, at the approximate location of the first ship's demise, God placed on Spafford's heart the words to the now famous song, "It Is Well With My Soul".

"When peace like a river attendeth my way, When sorrows like sea billows roll; Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say, "It is well, it is well with my soul." Though Satan should buffet, tho' trials should come, Let this blest assurance control, That Christ has regarded my helpless estate, And hath shed His own blood for my soul.  My sin-- O, 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!  And, Lord, haste the day when the 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.  Chorus: It is well, with my soul, It is well, it is well with my soul."

"Praise the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits--who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion, who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's," (Psalm 103:2-5 NIV) 

Thank You, God, for speaking to me through this song and the scripture. You have redeemed my life from the pit and I praise You and glorify You with this blog. May it touch the heart of one who needs it. Be with us today and bless us with Your love and compassion. In Jesus' Holy Name we pray, Amen.