IT IS WELL WITH MY SOUL
I grew up listening to old Hymnal songs in a conservative Baptist setting. I didn’t do too much in the way of singing. Sometimes when I did sing it was usually done out of sheer boredom.
I heard the songs so often during my formative years that sometimes even now at this age, I wake up with one of those old traditional Hymns stuck in my head. You might remember some of them, like Amazing Grace, Just As I Am, How Great Thou Art?
Last Thursday I heard one of those old Hymns I hadn’t heard in decades. The song is titled It Is Well With My Soul.
I may have heard the history of the song sometime in my life because the author of the song’s name sounded familiar. That sort of history doesn’t matter too much to a bored kid. The words of the song however, would remain in that kid’s mind and heart forever.
The song was written by Horatio G. Spafford. Spafford lost his son at four years of age. Shortly there after the successful attorney lost the majority of his wealth in a real estate investment due to the Great Chicago Fire in 1871.
Two years later Spafford planned a trip for his family to visit Europe. A business issue required he be delayed from his trip. Spafford sent his wife and four daughters ahead planning to follow a few days in arrears.
The ship his family was traveling on collided with an English vessel and disappeared below the surface of the water within minutes. Spafford’s wife was the only family survivor. After being taken to safety, she cabled her husband with only two words. The words he read were, “Saved alone.”
I can’t imagine the dreadful voyage navigating the Atlantic on his way to recapture his only remaining family member.
The amazing part of that journey is when close to where he lost his remaining children, Spafford penned the song that multiple millions of people would hear and sing over the next almost 140 years and certainly beyond.
Here is the first verse:
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.
I was reminded of the history behind this song at my wife’s friend Candy’s funeral. Candy was an amazing person, blessed by God with the gift of teaching, compassion and mercy, just to name a few.
I’m not sure who chose this song to be sung at her funeral, but I know her husband, Steve, like Horatio Spafford echos the words given by God to soothe his soul.
To know with confidence the ones taken by God are in a better place, is the reason we can be well in spirit even as we suffer in this flesh.
I thought of difficult times in my life. My soul squirms, dodges, and weaves, trying to bear up under the flesh. Occasionally God will use events in my life like the example of Steve and Candy to remind me, “Whatever my lot, He has taught me to say, it is well with my soul.”
During those most difficult times, I feel the hand of God lift me up with one hand and cover me like a small bird with His other.
“It is well with my soul,” those words have been with me my whole life. As God guides me through this life, may He give me the strength to honor Him under all circumstances.
May God give me the will to say every day, including the one He chooses to take me home,
“It is well, it is well, with my soul”…
bill (cycleguy)
Friday, March 15, 2013 @ 5:16 am
Even though I tend to be a modern worship kind of guy, there are still some hymns that stick with me. My favorite is “Great is Thy Faithfulness.” My favorite during Communion time is “When I Survey the Wondrous Cross.” This song always moves me. I knew the story which makes it even more moving. I have experienced these times you are talking about. It is sweet. Thanks for the rewind Floyd.
Floyd
Friday, March 15, 2013 @ 10:05 am
I’m with you, Bill. I love the contemporary worship, but some of those old songs move me deeply. I like the ones you mentioned as well. Thanks, Bill.
Dan Erickson
Friday, March 15, 2013 @ 5:43 am
Great hymn and story behind it. Thanks for sharing, Floyd.
Floyd
Friday, March 15, 2013 @ 10:06 am
Thanks, Dan. Every time I hear that song I naturally try to put myself in Spafford’s shoes. Not a pretty place to find grace…. Only with God.
Jake
Friday, March 15, 2013 @ 9:23 am
The only woman I tested for HIV who came up positive started singing this song after we told her. It broke my heart and made me feel like a WIMP. I would not respond that well…
I tear up every time I hear it now.
Floyd
Friday, March 15, 2013 @ 10:08 am
Wow. What an awesome but sad story, Jake. That’ll preach though huh? Thanks for sharing that. It’s good to hear from you, man.
Lisa notes
Friday, March 15, 2013 @ 1:27 pm
This is an oldie but goodie that I’ve sung all my life too. The story behind it makes it even more special. I pray I will sing those words just as much in the future…
Floyd
Friday, March 15, 2013 @ 4:51 pm
I’m with you, Lisa. To be able to live with wisdom of the world that we can’t see is a super natural gift from our Father. To grasp His majesty and grace is to be well with our souls. Thanks, Lisa.
Nancy
Friday, March 15, 2013 @ 2:13 pm
Good share! Absolutely. When my flesh wavers, I check my peace – deep down inside.. As I draw from that cistern, then I am able to put away any disappointments or sadness and move ahead with strength infused by Jesus!
Floyd
Friday, March 15, 2013 @ 4:53 pm
I like that. You go to where your Father resides… within. That’s huge, Nancy! How true. We have the Father of all things and the Prince of Peace within. We only have to go to them for comfort. Thanks for sharing that and thanks for reminding me about this song and this old post. Thanks, sister.
Lincoln Parks
Friday, March 15, 2013 @ 2:20 pm
Wow! Now you just brought back some memories from the Methodist Church in the Bahamas where I grew up. They still use the Hymnal and sing from it today. I love all of those songs and everytime I hear them I tear up because they were such beautiful hymns. Thanks for sharing.
Floyd
Friday, March 15, 2013 @ 4:55 pm
I do too, Lincoln. Something very special about the way God uses the old hymns to speak to and soften our hearts. I appreciate your heart. We have similar memories and responses… Not even a little surprised… Thanks, Lincoln. That was great.
Lincoln Parks
Friday, March 15, 2013 @ 2:27 pm
Had to post this video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T8_EfDqF7YI&feature=player_detailpage
Floyd
Friday, March 15, 2013 @ 5:00 pm
That was great. Gave me goosebumps… Beautiful harmony in that last chorus. Thanks for sharing that, Lincoln. It is well with my soul, brother…
Hazel Moon
Friday, March 15, 2013 @ 6:59 pm
I enjoy many of the new chorus that are popular today, but at my church we never hear them, unless the choir does a number. Even the old hymns, are seldom sang at the church I now attend. The hymnal omits hymns about the blood and surrender. Many of the hymns, I have never heard before and they are watered down gospel. For now, God hasn’t told me to leave, and I do enjoy the sermons which are good, the people are friendly and great, and the short service with fellowship time afterwards. God is leading me to create my own personal time to get deeper perhaps with some of those old hymns. The one you mentioned is a favorite and so beautiful to remind us that no matter what – we can say, it is well with my soul.
Floyd
Saturday, March 16, 2013 @ 7:18 am
I’m with you, Hazel. God speaks to us in the good times and the bad. In such a traumatic time for a person to pen a song is a thing from God.. and He’s still using it to speak to us. It is well with my soul. To be satisfied in Him is true peace. Thanks, Hazel.
Lynn Morrissey
Friday, March 15, 2013 @ 8:23 pm
I’m glad that you reminded us of these words, Floyd!My mother chose that same hymn many, many years ago to be sung at her sister-in-law’s funeral. Phyllis was only 21, when killed in a car crash. My uncle could have penned, “Saved alone,” as well. It was terrible tragedy. Mother, raised Baptist, had never heard the hymn, but discovered it when browsing a hymnal, and the words really ministered to her. She had no idea of Spafford’s angst when he wrote it. Like the hymn, Amazing Grace, it, too, has ministered grace to the saints for many years. I’m glad, now through your reminder, it is doing so again.
Thank you,
Lynn
PS I LOVE YOUR NEW SITE FORMAT!!!! CONGRATULATIONS!!!!
Floyd
Saturday, March 16, 2013 @ 7:21 am
What a tremendous story! God is still using the life of a family in the worst times of life to remind us of His love and peace for us. It is indeed ministering to us. God is beyond our comprehension. Thanks for sharing that story, Lynn. And April is going to be redoing my site soon so it will be easier to read. Thanks for sticking with me, I’m blessed.
Lynn Morrissey
Saturday, March 16, 2013 @ 8:09 am
Oh I’m glad my comment appeared. It didn’t “take” initially. God bless April too!
L.
Floyd
Saturday, March 16, 2013 @ 2:21 pm
Thanks, Lynn. April saves me on all kinds of matters! A real God send!
Jillie
Monday, March 18, 2013 @ 8:11 am
Oh Floyd…This is beautiful. I’m so glad I backed up to read what I missed the other day.
‘It Is Well’ is my all-time favourite ‘old’ hymn, along with ‘Amazing Grace’. I want them played at my funeral service. I’ve heard the story behind ‘It Is Well’ and it brings tears to think of that old saint, on that ship, going to retrieve his wife after their tragedy. Oh, the brokenness, yet he had the ultimate Hope of the Gospel in his heart. And he speaks to us still. I pray he always will. My husband greatly fears the old hymns and songs are being lost to us, little by little, with the influx of light-hearted worship songs of today. As Hazel Moon wrote, many churches are now omitting songs of the blood, repentance, and surrender. This is a tragedy, for we cannot know and understand the forgiveness we’ve received until we see our need for forgiveness–that we are sin-filled– and the only way to find it…In the painfully-shed blood of the Saviour of the world.
Floyd
Monday, March 18, 2013 @ 10:49 am
Such wise and profound words, Jillie. Your comment could be used as a defense of the hymnals based on Biblical principles. I couldn’t agree more, just would not have been able to summarize it better myself. I so appreciate and look forward to reading your heart and wisdom. It is a blessing to anyone who reads your words. Thanks, Jillie.
Mike
Friday, March 22, 2013 @ 11:11 am
I also wrote about that song some time back. In all honesty that song didn’t mean a whole lot to me until I learned the story of it. Suddenly it took on new meaning which sent me looking for the entomology of other songs, Amazing Grace being one of them. I love your style of writing, Floyd. Keep it up.
Floyd
Friday, March 22, 2013 @ 5:02 pm
I love the story behind Amazing Grace as well. Brings a vivid picture of grace. Thanks, Mike, I appreciate you, brother.
Joanne Norton
Wednesday, March 27, 2013 @ 5:04 pm
One of my favorites. First heard it shortly after I was at the Baptist church. I has always touched me. I knew a fair amount of your author history, but didn’t know his son had also died. People dealt with a lot more “reality” in those days through the sickness and such dangerous situations. We rarely have to. Glad this has been deeply planted in your heart. It truly is a blessing.
Thank you. Touched and blessed my heart to see your story.
Floyd
Thursday, March 28, 2013 @ 9:38 am
Thanks, sister. I know your kind heart is easily touched when it comes to others suffering. God has been so good to us… Thanks for the reminder, oh wise one. God is merciful…