it is well with my soul …

This is actually a repost … but I came across it and deem it worthy to share again.

Do you remember, or have you ever sung the old hymn “It is well with my soul?”  So beautiful.  I loved it as a child {probably the choir geek in me}.

And, of course, when I recently came across it as an adult, loved it even more!  The hymn was written by Horatio Spafford in 1873.

Horatio had endured several traumatic events in his life.  The first was the death of his only son in 1871, shortly followed by the great Chicago Fire which ruined him financially (he had been a successful lawyer).

Then in 1873, he had planned to travel to Europe with his family on the SS Ville du Havre, but sent the family ahead while he was delayed on business. While crossing the Atlantic, the ship sank after a collision with another ship and all four of Horatio’s daughters died.

His wife Anna survived and sent him the now famous telegram, “Saved alone.” Shortly afterwards, as Horatio traveled to meet his grieving wife, he was inspired to write these words as his ship passed near where his daughters had died.

It Is Well With My Soul
:: Jars of Clay ::

When peace like a river attendeth my way
When sorrows like sea billows roll
What ever my lot you have taught me to say
It is well, it is well with my soul

Though the devil will ruin, though trials may come
Let this blessed assurance control
That Christ has regarded my helpless estate
And He shed His own blood for my soul

:: chorus ::
It is well, with my soul
It is well, it is well with 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, oh my soul

:: chorus ::

:: chorus ::

And Lord haste the day when my faith shall be sight
And 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 ::

:: chorus ::

Can you imagine? The grief. The faith. The trust.

In the midst of his deepest sorrow, he pens these words, “whatever my lot, it is well with my soul.” Incredible! and inspiring!

How about you? What is your attitude toward your current “lot?” Are you praising the Lord in spite of your trials?

Oh how I wish, we as a people, could get ourselves outside our current circumstances and claim … It. Is. Well. with my soul!

Join me, won’t you? Let’s step out in faith together …

{read 31 days of faith from the beginning}

Posted in 31 days of faith