How Sweet The SoundSample

It Is Well

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.

Horatio Spafford gave us these lyrics in 1873 from a life that had just lost nearly everything. He was financially destitute. His four children had just tragically died at sea. Yet, in the deepest grief, as he sailed past the spot where his children drowned, he wrote of otherworldly peace.

“It is well, it is well with my soul.”

When I first read the story behind these lyrics, I could hardly understand how someone could live with such peace. I longed for that kind of faith. Then, I came upon my opportunity.

Sitting in my doctor’s office, I shared my symptoms. I was sure there was a simple explanation. Then the doctor spoke. “I’m referring you to a neurologist. Your symptoms are consistent with MS.” Immediately, I began researching everything I could about this potential diagnosis. Fear crept in. Sea billows of fear.

The neurologist wasn’t much comfort. While he agreed that MS was a possibility, he was also concerned that a tumor could be the cause. More testing. Unfortunately, that testing couldn’t happen for several months. More waiting.

I was in turmoil. I processed not only what the potential diagnosis meant for me, but also what it meant for my husband and four small children. I swam in an ocean of fear.

Until one day.

I was literally crying out to Jesus when I heard a small whisper in my heart. Do you believe? Do you believe that I’m in charge? That I am good? That I love you? That I work all things for good? Do you believe that no matter what happens, I have a plan for your life? Do you love me enough to trust me? 

In that moment, I had a choice. I could continue to let the fear of circumstances drown me; or I could step out in faith and trust Jesus, standing on who He is, what He has done, and what He’s promised. As I answered “yes” to all His questions, I experienced unexplainable peace and freedom. 

These lyrics written at sea flooded the deepest places in me.

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.

Wherever you are today, whatever your lot, Jesus is beckoning you to give it all to Him. Trust in who He is, what He has done, and what He has promised. 

—Divina

Pray: Jesus, thank You for what You’ve done on the cross to set me free from a life of fear. Today I give all my worry, pain, fear, and anxiety back to you. It is well with my soul. Amen.