Finding Peace in Tragedy: It is Well with My Soul

It is Well: Finding Peace in the Midst of Tragedy

In 1873, Horatio Spafford received a message from his wife, who had sailed with their four daughters to Europe, where he had planned to meet them soon. The note read, “Saved alone . . . .” She and the girls had been in a terrible collision at sea, and their ship had gone down. All four daughters died. It was just the latest awful news in three horrifying years for the family. They had lost their son in 1870, and then a massive fire ruined them financially the next year, all before the horrors of the accident at sea.

Yet, in the midst of all this tragedy, Horatio wrote one of the most well-known hymns of all time: “It is Well with My Soul.” The words of the hymn express a profound trust in God, even in the darkest of circumstances:

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.

How could Horatio Spafford find such peace in the midst of such great tragedy? How can we find such peace in our own lives, when we face our own trials and sorrows? In this article, we will explore the biblical truths that underlie the hymn “It is Well with My Soul,” and how we too can find peace in the midst of our own struggles.

Trusting in God’s Sovereignty

One of the key themes of “It is Well with My Soul” is the sovereignty of God. Horatio Spafford trusted that God was in control, even in the midst of the darkest circumstances. This trust is grounded in the biblical truth that God is indeed sovereign over all things.

Psalm 103:19 tells us that “the Lord has established his throne in the heavens, and his kingdom rules over all.” Ephesians 1:11 says that God “works all things according to the counsel of his will.” And in Romans 8:28, we read that “we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.”

These verses, and many others like them, remind us that God is in control of every aspect of our lives, even the most difficult and painful ones. This does not mean that he causes all the evil and suffering in the world, but it does mean that he is able to use even the worst of circumstances for his good purposes.

Horatio Spafford understood this truth, and it gave him great comfort and peace. He was able to say, “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.” He knew that God was in control, and that even in the midst of his sorrow, he could trust in God’s goodness and faithfulness.

Resting in God’s Love

Another key theme of “It is Well with My Soul” is the love of God. Horatio Spafford trusted that God loved him, even in the midst of his pain and sorrow. This trust is grounded in the biblical truth that God is indeed a God of love.

John 3:16 tells us that “God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” Romans 5:8 says that “God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” And in 1 John 4:8, we read that “God is love.”

These verses, and many others like them, remind us that God loves us deeply and sacrificially. He proved his love for us by sending his Son to die for our sins, so that we could be reconciled to him and have eternal life. This love is not based on anything we have done or could do; it is simply a gift of God’s grace.

Horatio Spafford understood this truth, and it gave him great comfort and peace. He was able to say, “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.” He knew that God loved him, and that even in the midst of his trials, he could rest in that love.

Hoping in God’s Promises

Finally, “It is Well with My Soul” expresses a hope in God’s promises. Horatio Spafford trusted that God would keep his promises, even in the midst of his sorrow and pain. This hope is grounded in the biblical truth that God is indeed faithful to his promises.

Hebrews 10:23 says, “Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful.” Romans 8:38-39 says, “For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

These verses, and many others like them, remind us that God is faithful to his promises. He will never leave us or forsake us (Hebrews 13:5), and he will always keep his promises to us. This gives us a hope that is sure and steadfast.

Horatio Spafford understood this truth, and it gave him great comfort and peace. He was able to say, “The clouds be rolled back as a scroll, the trump shall resound and the Lord shall descend, even so, it is well with my soul.” He knew that God would keep his promises, and that he had a sure and steadfast hope in Christ.

Conclusion

Horatio Spafford’s hymn “It is Well with My Soul” has been a source of comfort and hope to millions of people over the years. Its words express a deep trust in God’s sovereignty, a rest in his love, and a hope in his promises. These are biblical truths that we too can cling to in the midst of our own trials and sorrows.

As we face the challenges of this year and the years to come, may we remember that God is in control, that he loves us deeply, and that he is faithful to his promises. May we find peace in the midst of our struggles, and may we be able to say with Horatio Spafford, “It is well, it is well with my soul.”