It is well!

I heard the story behind the following hymn a few days ago, and I am really interested in history like this anyway, but it also really caught my attention since it is one of my favorite hymns.  I was at my little cousin’s birthday party this morning when one of my cousins started to really express concern about my health and saying she felt bad, and really wanted to figure out how to help me.  I certainly appreciate her care and concern, but am so blessed that I can honestly proclaim ‘It is well with my soul’! I do not have any fear about tomorrow, because whatever tomorrow brings will not be a problem for me to handle with God in control of my life!

I wish you all a blessed, Christ filled day tomorrow!
 
IT IS WELL WITH MY SOUL

By Horatio G. Spafford

This hymn was written after two major traumas in Spafford’s life. The first was the great Chicago Fire of October 1871, which ruined him financially (he had been a wealthy businessman). Shortly after, while crossing the Atlantic, all four of Spafford’s daughters died in a collision with another ship. Spafford’s wife Anna survived and sent him the now famous telegram, “Saved alone.” Several weeks later, as Spafford’s own ship passed near the spot where his daughters died, the Holy Spirit inspired these words. They speak to the eternal hope that all believers have, no matter what pain and grief befall them on earth.

When peace, like a river, attendeth my way,
 When sorrows like sea billows roll;
 Whatever my lot, Thou has taught me to say,
 It is well, it is well, with my soul.

Refrain

 It is well, with my soul,
 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 has regarded my helpless estate,
 And hath shed His own blood for my soul.

 Refrain

 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!

 Refrain

 For me, be it Christ, be it Christ hence to live:
 If Jordan above me shall roll,
 No pang shall be mine, for in death as in life
 Thou wilt whisper Thy peace to my soul.

 Refrain

But, Lord, ‘tis for Thee, for Thy coming we wait,
 The sky, not the grave, is our goal;
 Oh trump of the angel! Oh voice of the Lord!
 Blessed hope, blessed rest of my soul!
Refrain

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.

Refrain