It is Well With My Soul
In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.
John 16:33
Many of us are familiar with the beloved hymn “It is Well with My Soul.” But do you know the story behind it?
The hymn was penned by Horatio Spafford, a Christian lawyer and investor who lived in Chicago in the 19th century.
Prior to writing this hymn, Spafford suffered several seasons of great loss, grief, and deep darkness. The first tragedy to strike his family was the loss of his two-year-old son to scarlet fever in 1870.
Right on the heels of this, Spafford suffered another blow as his city was ravaged by the Great Chicago Fire in 1871. The fire destroyed his home and he had no insurance. It also destroyed Spafford financially as he had invested nearly all of his wealth in Chicago real estate.
In an effort to find rest and reprieve, and perhaps to collect his thoughts, Spafford planned a summer trip for his family to Europe. Maybe this would provide a change of scenery and a time of healing. At the last minute, however, Spafford was unable to board the vessel SS Ville du Havre with his wife, Anna, and their four daughters. He was needed stateside for a business matter, so he sent his family ahead with the intention to join them soon.
As Spafford was working to salvage the wreckage that was his business, he received word of nearly unspeakable tragedy. On November 21, 1873, the liner carrying his family was rammed amidship by a British vessel and sank within minutes.
Anna was picked up unconscious on a floating spar, but the four children had drowned. When Spafford did finally receive notice of the events, it was accompanied by a two-word telegram from Anna which read, “Saved alone…”
I imagine these words must’ve run through Spafford’s mind thousands of times as he beat his breast and poured out his soul, weeping before God. How could this be? God, where were you? Why God, why?
As Spafford crossed the Atlantic, heading to console and grieve with his beloved Anna, he began to write, fervently pouring out his heart to the Lord. Many think he took pen to page near the spot where the ship’s passengers breathed their last.
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.”
Take Heart, I Have Overcome
It’s hard to learn of Spafford’s story and to encounter his hymn and not be utterly moved by the man’s faith in the midst of his pain.
Jesus promised that in this broken world we would have tribulation and trouble. The Greek word used here literally means, “great pressure.” And it can’t be escaped.
The good news is that such tribulation and trouble won’t have the last word. Jesus reminds us that He has overcome. He is victor. And as His own, we can and will share in that victory.
The good news is tribulation and trouble won’t have the last word. Jesus has overcome. He is victor! And as His own, we can and will share in that victory.
This is what gave Horatio Spafford hope. He didn’t deny his pain and loss. Yet neither did he give in to despair because he was confident in the coming victory. The fourth verse of the hymn beautifully captures this.
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!
This is our hope, friends. The best truly is yet to come. This is why, no matter what happens, we can say, “It is well with my soul.” Let me encourage you to lean into that.
PRAYER
Lord, I am so grateful for the promised comfort in the midst of my trials. “Behold, I will extend peace to her like a river… as one whom his mother comforts, so I will comfort you…” (Isaiah 66:12). And I look forward to the promised end of my trials when You will make all things new (Revelation 21:5).
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