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

I’m sure you’ve heard the Hymn, It Is Well With My Soul. But, have you ever heard the origin story for the song?

The hymn was written by Horatio Spafford in 1873. In the Great Chicago Fire, Horatio had lost most of his fortune. Around the same time his son died of scarlet fever. Then a few years later, his wife and daughters were sailing on their way to Europe when they collided with another ship. Sadly the ship sunk and his 4 daughters died. After he received a telegram from his wife that read, “Saved alone” he sailed to join his grieving wife in Europe. When he was passing near the place where the ship carrying his daughter’s had sunk, he began to write the words to It Is Well With My Soul.

Horatio knew pain. He was no stranger to tragedy. Yet, it was well with his soul. He found peace in the Lord.

I’m going to be so honest right now; I’m not a very peaceful person. I worry, I have anxiety, I battle depression, I’m on an antidepressant, I often feel overwhelmed and stressed… the list goes on. And I haven’t lost my fortune or my children like Horacio did.

I can’t imagine the suffering he and his wife endured. I can’t imagine getting a telegram from my spouse who was traveling with our children that said “Saved alone”.

It’s in moments like those that people can go through the darkest moments of their lives. Yet Horatio said “It is well with my soul.”

The past few years I’ve had a harder and harder time being at peace. From family issues to health issues to politics, I’m so weary from everything being thrown at me. It’s hard to have peace like a river when you have anxiety and depression like a hurricane.

This week I’ve had the song Life Won’t (It is Well) by One Common playing on repeat. It’s a modern spin on It Is Well With My Soul. It’s currently my favorite song, and it’s been stuck in my head all week long. It’s helped me remember what to keep my focus on.

I’ve been trying to stay focused on leaning on the Lord, and being at peace. But it’s certainly hard. Especially when I like to be in control.

This is more of a reminder for myself than anyone, but God is holding us in his hands. He is in control, and he knows everything that has happened, and will happen. He knows how everything will affect us. He knows what our responses to tragedy will be. Let the God of the universe take your pain, and make your soul at peace. He loves you. Run to the father when life feels like it’s falling apart.

My prayer for you and I:

Lord, thank you for giving me the opportunity to write a blog that can be used for your glory. Thank you for your goodness and your peace that passes all understanding. You are a kind, gracious God. Please teach us how to lean on you in the good and bad times. We love you. In Jesus’ name, amen.