It Is Well With My Soul

The hymn It is Well With My Soul was written by Horatio Spafford as he passed a spot in the ocean where, just a few days before, his four daughters had died when the ship they and their mother were travelling on sank.  His wife was the only member of his family left alive, and you can imagine how devastated they both were.  I saw a dramatization of the story done during a Tabernacle Choir concert.  It was so sad!  It was also a story of faith. The mourning that, for both Horatio and his wife, eventually turned to peace and assurance.  The words written by Horatio show his trust and faith in God, even in this incredibly sad circumstance.

It Is Well With My Soul

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

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 (it is well)
With my soul (with my soul)
It is well, it is well with my soul

Shortly after hearing the story of this hymn, I found, and bought the sign from the picture above.  It is on my room on a shelf.  Sometimes, in the evenings especially, I will glance at it and wonder, "Is it well with my soul?" This sign has unexpectedly given me a reminder to ponder whether I am trusting God in whatever situation I am in, and if I am trusting Him to forgive me when I make mistakes, or to help me when things seem hard.  I am thankful when I come to the conclusion that, at least for the moment, it is well with my soul.