It Is Well With My Soul

I've been wanting to post about one of my recent devotions for a couple weeks, but just haven't carved out the time. I know I mentioned the devotional I'm currently working through and how much I love it. In the beginning of the chapter on "the confidence of the pilgrim", the author records the lyrics to a beautiful hymn called "It Is Well With My Soul". Here they are....and at the end of this post I will tell you the story of the man who penned this hymn.

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.

Tho 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--O 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 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.
Horatio G. Spafford

It seems like every Christian I know is going through trials. I have a dear friend who has been battling with major medical issues, a ton of questions, and zero answers for 2 years. Two more dear friends are dealing with unfaithfulness and divorce. Another is verbally and emotionally mistreated by a person she cares for every day. Others are dealing with major financial hardships. Others with betrayal and loneliness. Our latest trial was losing another baby a few weeks ago. I was very early pregnant, in fact it was the earliest I'd ever lost one, but it still was a much desired child. However, I know that when we keep perspective through these times we can whole-heartedly say that it is well with our souls. Why? Because we have hope that is certain and a future that is glorious. Not to mention that through trials we grow deeper with Jesus Christ.

Here is Horatio G. Spafford's story:

"Horatio G. Spafford, a wealthy businessman, had invested heavily in real estate on the shore of Lake Michigan. As a result of the Chicago Fire of 1871, his land-holdings were wiped out. Just before this disaster, he had lost his only son.

Later, desiring a vacation for his wife and four daughters, he planned to join D.L. Moody on one of his evangelistic campaigns in England. He sent his wife and four daughters ahead of him on the S.S. Ville du Havre. On November 22, the ship was struck by another vessel and sank in twelve minutes. Over two hundred lives were lost, including Spafford's four daughters. Spafford received a cable from his wife delivering the news, "Saved alone." Days later, Spafford left by ship to join his wife. It is said that at the exact spot where his daughters drowned, Spafford wrote the words, "When peace, like a river, attendeth my way, / When sorrows like sea billows roll..." Although he had lost what was most dear to him, he was able by grace to say, "It is well with my soul." How is that possible? Read the lines of the fourth stanza again.

Do you see the hope of heaven? Will you be encouraged today with the hope of a glorious future in heaven?"
(taken from "Pilgrimage of the Heart" by Catherine Martin)