It Is Well With My Soul

First I apologize for the long absence from my writing. The last month and a half has really been crazy for myself and my family (all of which has worked itself out now). There were many times that I felt inspired to write and believe me I had much to write about, but at the end of the day I just didn't feel like writing. I was so physically, mentally, and emotionally exhausted at days end that all I really wanted was a shower and a pillow. I know that sounds bad.

I am back now and finally feel ready to write. One of the ways God has been speaking to me is through music as He often does. However, this time I wasn't listening to contemporary music, I went back to the hymns of the church. There is such beauty and wisdom within the verses of the old hymns that in times of distress I find much comfort in them. One day while I was listen to some I began to wonder what had inspired the men and women of the past to write such powerful songs so I hopped on the Internet and began to research the history behind the hymns. Let me just say there are some amazing stories behind these hymns, but the one that struck me the most during this particular rough patch was It Is Well With My Soul and I just have to share it with you.

The lyrics of this hymn were composed by Horatio G. Spafford in 1873, but the years leading up to his penning of this hymn were marked by sorrow and suffering. In 1870, Horatio's only son died as a result of scarlet fever. A year later, Horatio who made much of his living through real estate investments, found himself in financial ruin after the Great Chicago Fire. Wanting to take his family's minds off the tragedies they have just suffered he decided to take them on holiday to Europe, but was called out on business before they were set to sail. Horatio insisted that his family travel on ahead of him and that he would join them later once his business had been resolved. On the voyage to Europe the ship carrying his family collided with another ship and sank. All four of his daughters perished in the sinking, but his wife survived. 9 days later Horatio received a telegram from his wife saying "Saved Alone". Horatio quickly boarded the next ship bond for Europe so that he could join his grieving wife. As he made his voyage across the ocean then captain called Horatio to the bridge and pointed out that the spot they were now passing over was the place that they believed his daughters had died. It was then that he returned to his cabin and wrote the lyrics which he took from 2 Kings 4:26.

After reading his incredible story I was in awe. Here is this man who had lost his home, his possessions, his children and still he was able to say it is well with my soul because he was assured of the salvation that comes from Christ. And I thought to myself why am I evening complaining. I have a home, I have clothing, I have food and I have my family. I have lost nothing in comparison with this man. If he can say after all that "it is well" then there is no reason why I shouldn't be able to say "it is well" with me. So at that point I released my grip of control on the situation and turned it back over to God. It is well with my soul because God is my salvation, because He is faithful and because He is in complete control.