I've been working through some tough stuff this week and for the first time in ages it feels that it is well with my soul.
This hymn was written by Horatio Spafford after several traumatic events in his life. The first was the death of his only son, followed by the great Chicago Fire which ruined him financially (he had been a wealthy business man). Two years later, he had planned to travel to Europe with his family on the S. S. Ville Du Havre. He sent his family on ahead while he was delayed on business. While crossing the Atlantic Ocean, the ship sank rapidly after a collision with another ship, and all four of his daughters were killed. His wife Anna, alone survived and sent him the now famous telegram, “Saved alone.” Shortly afterwards, as Spafford traveled to meet his grieving wife, he was inspired to write these words as his ship passed near where his daughters had died.
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.
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.
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!
It is well, with my soul,
It is well, with my soul,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.
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.
It is well, with my soul,
It is well, with my soul,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.
