It is well with my soul.

Have you ever heard of the song “It is Well with My Soul?” If you grew up in church, I’m sure that you have. It’s an old hymn. If you haven’t listened to it, go do it now. I’ll wait a minute….go ahead…listen. 

That Hymn has always been one of my favorites, not only because of the words and its message, but because of the story behind it and why it was written. The author of the lyrics, Horatio Spafford, was a successful lawyer in Chicago in the 1860′s and 70′s, but when the Great Chicago Fire swept through the streets it ruined him finically. In 1873, he decided to move his family over to England and get a fresh start. He sent his daughters and wife on a ship ahead of him while he stayed back and worked out a few last minute business details. Spafford was wrapping up business in America when he received a telegram from his wife, Anna, saying “Saved alone…”. Spafford’s 4 daughters had all died when their boat had collided with another. His only family member to survive was his wife. Spafford got on a boat to go be with his grieving wife and as he passed over the place where his daughters had died he penned the words, to the now famous hymn, “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 know,
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.

The faith that this man had after he had lost everything finically and all of his daughters had died is astounding. The above lyrics that I posted are only 2 short verses of a hymn that has a hauntingly, joyful message. Tomorrow is the first day of classes and I am about to embark on my sophomore year of college. I know that God is going to do great things this year and I am so humbled to be a part of it. However, I also know that Satan is prowling around waiting to attempt to destroy the faith that is so evident in this school. My challenge for all of us is that we have the same faith and strength that Spafford had. That though Satan should buffet and trials may come, let us with faith claim the phrase It is Well with My Soul. Regardless of what happens over the next semester, I know that I sit in the hands of an almighty Jesus who is stronger and greater than anything that can come my way. So as we daily take up our crosses, let us also hold tight to this, that in all things, good and bad, it is well with my soul. We are one body, unified in Christ. We have one purpose and one goal, to bring others to him and show them His love and glory and in all things, It is well with my soul.