It is Well

The peace that the Lord brings is above human reasoning and provides us with a great protection for our souls which is built upon the assurance of our salvation.

It is Well

This week's devotions are written by my friend Jessica Hermann, former director of our college ministry at Great Hills Baptist Church.

- Pastor Danny

The origin story of this hymn, "It is Well With My Soul", is perhaps one of the most well known. Horatio Spafford was a successful attorney in the late 1800s, but the Great Chicago Fire caused him and his family to suffer the loss of most of their business and fortune. Shortly after, his wife and four daughters sailed to England on the ocean liner Ville du Havre. Tragically, the ship collided with another and sank. All four of Horatio's children were lost. His wife, the lone survivor, sent her husband a telegraph which simply said, "Saved alone. What shall I do?"

Horatio immediately set off to sail to England and meet his grieving wife. As he sailed over the Atlantic, the captain of the ship, who knew of the fate of the Ville du Havre and of Horatio's daughters, called for Horatio and told him when they were sailing over the exact location of the collision. Horatio stood over the place where his daughters drowned and contemplated their lives and the tragic situation. However, where many would break down in despair and perhaps scream and yell at God, questioning His goodness, Horatio penned these words:

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.

Refrain:
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 hath 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!

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.

Horatio did not say, "It is well with my soul," at this moment because he was indifferent to the deaths of his children. Rather, he found that even amidst his deep pain, he could trust in the Lord. Horatio's faith was not dependent on circumstances but firmly based on the person of Jesus Christ.

It is easy to say and to sing, "It is well with my soul," when things are going well and "peace like a river attendeth my way." But what about "when sorrows like sea billows roll"? How can one have peace within their soul when faced with unspeakable tragedy or suffering?

It reminds me once again of a passage from Philippians 4 as well as one from John 16:

"Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:4-7)

"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." (John 16:33)

The peace that the Lord brings is above human reasoning and provides us with a great protection for our souls which is built upon the assurance of our salvation. Horatio wrote this as the second verse. Read that verse one more time and reflect upon the great hope we have in our salvation that endures even through our deepest pain and suffering:

Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come,
Let this blest assurance control,
That Christ hath regarded my helpless estate,
And hath shed His own blood for my soul.