For several years, I was required to complete an annual self-assessment for my denominational leaders. The first question was often, “How is it with your soul?” My response was always, “It is well with my soul.”
The 19th Century song, It is Well With My Soul, has become one of my favorite, or maybe my favorite hymn. The lyrics, written by Horatio Spafford, speak to a difficult time in his life after the loss of his daughters when the ship they were traveling on was struck by another ship and they drowned. Spafford’s wife survived and sent him a cable to tell him she was “saved alone.” As Spafford made his way to Great Britain to be with his wife, the ship captain noted the spot where Spafford’s daughters had likely drowned. It was near that place where the lyrics to It is Well With My Soul poured from Spafford’s broken heart.
When we consider the first verse, the story behind the song speaks more deeply:
“When peace like a river
Attendeth my way.
When sorrow like sea billows roll.
Whatever my lot, thou hast caused me to say.
It is well, it is well with my soul.“
Amid our sorrow and feelings of defeat, we are reminded of God’s faithfulness that keeps our souls at peace in the midst of the struggle. Spafford continues:
“Tho Satan should buffet,
Tho trials should come
Let this blest assurance control
That Christ has regarded my helpless estate
And hath shed His own blood for my soul.“
Our ability to proclaim, “It is well with my soul,” is not conjured up in our own strength or power. In the world’s understanding, the struggles of life steal our peace and the issues we face cause us to feel an illness of soul. Through the shed blood of Jesus and our knowledge that the Lord will “never leave us or forsake us,” we are able to face adversity with a sense of peace and wellness of our soul.
Psalm 46 speaks to the same truth as it speaks of life falling apart with “the earth giving way and the mountains falling into the heart of the sea.” Amid all the destructions and uncertainty, the Psalmist invites the reader to:
Be Still and know that I am God!
I am exalted among the nations,
I am exalted in the earth. (46:10)
He then gives an affirmation:
The Lord Almighty is with us;
The God of Jacob is our fortress. (46:11)
How is it with your soul? Are you experiencing peace and the truth of God’s presence with you in the good times and the bad times? Do you know the Lord is always with you?
As you continue through this week, I pray you will experience the confidence of your soul being well in Christ no matter your circumstance.
Prayer: Lord, I want to proclaim each day “it is well with my soul.” Yet, there are days where the weight of my struggle or the pain I am experiencing makes it difficult. I pray I would hear your call for me to “be still and know you are God” and find new found peace and confidence. In Jesus’ name. Amen.