It is Well with my Soul

Submitted by Sam Nobles
God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. (Psalm 46:1 ESV)

    

Inner peace through a difficult trial is evidence of a mature Christian faith. Only with this kind of confidence in God could Horatio Spafford experience such heart-rending tragedies as he did and yet be able to say, “It is well with my soul.”

Spafford had known peaceful and happy days as a successful attorney in Chicago. He was the father of four daughters, an active member of the Presbyterian Church, and a loyal friend and supporter of D. L. Moody. After the devastation of the Chicago fire in 1871 Spafford decided to lift the spirits of his family by taking them on a vacation to Europe.

Spafford was detained by urgent business, and sent his wife and four daughters to board the ship as scheduled, planning to join them soon. Halfway across the Atlantic, the ship was struck by an English vessel and sank in 12 minutes. All four of Spafford’s daughters killed. Mrs. Spafford was among the few who were miraculously saved.

Horatio Spafford stood hour after hour on the deck of the ship carrying him to rejoin his sorrowing wife. When the ship passed the place where his precious daughters had drowned, Spafford received sustaining comfort from God that enabled him to write:

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 with my soul.

Tho Satan should buffet, tho trials should come, let this blest assurance control,  that Christ hath regarded my helpless estate and shed His own blood for 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, it is well with my soul.

Scripture to Claim:

And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:7 ESV)