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
Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come
Let blessed assurance control
That Christ hath regarded my helpless estate
And hath shed His own blood for my soul
It is well with my soul
It is well, it is well with my soul
Redeemed, O the bliss, of this glorious thought
My sin, not in part, but the whole
Is nailed to the cross and I bear it no more
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul
And Lord, haste the day when my faith shall be sight
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
It is well, it is well with my soul
It is well, it is well with my soul
It is well, it is well with my soul
"It Is Well" is a powerful and timeless worship song written by Brian Doerksen. With its heartfelt lyrics and beautiful melody, it has touched the hearts of many believers around the world. Let's dive into the meaning, inspiration, and story behind this incredible song.
The central theme of "It Is Well" is finding peace and assurance in God, even in the midst of trials and sorrows. The lyrics remind us that no matter what we may face in life, we can find comfort in the knowledge that God is with us and that our souls can find rest in Him.
The song opens with the lines, "When peace, like a river, attendeth my way, When sorrows, like sea billows, roll." These words evoke powerful imagery of the ebb and flow of life's challenges. It acknowledges that we will face difficult times, just as waves crash upon the shore. However, the songwriter reminds us that no matter the circumstances, we can say confidently, "It is well with my soul."
The inspiration for this song can be traced back to the story of Horatio Spafford, a Christian hymn writer who penned the famous hymn "It Is Well with My Soul." Spafford experienced immense tragedy when he lost his four daughters in a shipwreck. Despite this devastating loss, Spafford held onto his faith and found solace in God's presence. His story serves as a testament to the message of the song, that even in the darkest moments, we can find peace and hope in God.
Scripture verses that relate to the theme of "It Is Well" include Psalm 46:1, which says, "God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble." This verse reminds us that God is always with us, offering comfort and strength in times of trouble. Another verse that resonates with the song's message is Isaiah 26:3, which says, "You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you because he trusts in you." This verse speaks of the peace that comes from trusting in God and fixing our minds on Him.
As we listen to "It Is Well," we are reminded of the redemptive work of Christ. The lyrics proclaim, "My sin, not in part, but the whole, Is nailed to the cross and I bear it no more." These words echo the truth found in 1 Peter 2:24, which says, "He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness."
The song's bridge reminds us of the hope we have in Christ's return. It says, "And Lord, haste the day when my faith shall be sight, The clouds be rolled back as a scroll, The trump shall resound, and the Lord shall descend." These words allude to the Second Coming of Christ, as described in 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17.
In conclusion, "It Is Well" is a song that speaks to the depths of our souls. It reminds us that no matter what we may face in life, we can find peace and assurance in God. Through the inspiration of Horatio Spafford's story and the truths found in Scripture, this song encourages us to trust in God's faithfulness and find rest in Him. May "It Is Well" continue to touch hearts and lead people into a place of worship and surrender.
