Do you remember, or have you ever sung the old hymn “It is well with my soul?” So beautiful. I loved it as a child {probably the choir geek in me}.
And, of course, when I recently came across it as an adult, loved it even more! The hymn was written by Horatio Spafford in 1873.
Horatio had endured several traumatic events in his life. The first was the death of his only son in 1871, shortly followed by the great Chicago Fire which ruined him financially (he had been a successful lawyer).
Then in 1873, he had planned to travel to Europe with his family on the SS Ville du Havre, but sent the family ahead while he was delayed on business. While crossing the Atlantic, the ship sank after a collision with another ship and all four of Horatio’s daughters died.
His wife Anna survived and sent him the now famous telegram, “Saved alone.” Shortly afterwards, as Horatio traveled to meet his grieving wife, he was inspired to write these words as his ship passed near where his daughters had died.
It Is Well With My Soul
:: Jars of Clay ::
When peace like a river attendeth my way
When sorrows like sea billows roll
What ever my lot you have taught me to say
It is well, it is well with my soul
Though the devil will ruin, though trials may come
Let this blessed assurance control
That Christ has regarded my helpless estate
And He shed His own blood for my soul
:: chorus ::
It is well, with my soul
It is well, it is well with my soul
My sin, oh 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, oh my soul
:: chorus ::
:: chorus ::
And Lord haste the day when my faith shall be sight
And 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
:: chorus ::
:: chorus ::
Can you imagine? The grief. The faith. The trust.
In the midst of his deepest sorrow, he pens these words, “whatever my lot, it is well with my soul.” Incredible! and inspiring!
How about you? What is your attitude toward your current “lot?” Are you praising the Lord in spite of your trials?
Oh how I wish, we as a people, could get ourselves outside our current circumstances and claim … It. Is. Well. with my soul!
Join me, won’t you? Let’s step out in faith together …
:: subscribe to {tsj} photography ::
I’d forgotten that story… stunning.
My friends recorded a beautiful version of that song. I’ve uploaded it here for you to download.
http://www.megaupload.com/?d=KQQFJ04X
Have a great weekend, Tracie!
This hymn is one has been a comfort to me when my heart has been crushed…thanks for sharing the story of its origin…how wonderful is God that in the midst of such pain He graces us with words to comfort and lead future generations to the same peace.
I can see these tickets working for so many things, thanks for sharing! This will be a great way to reward a positive and cheerful faces around our house – for me, son and hubby! Bright blessings!
i’ve always loved that story…not because of the tragedy of it all, but as it is such a wonderful reminder!!! and having only ever heard the “hymn version” i thank you for this uplifting take on it.
I love that song but never knew the story behind it. Makes it even more beautiful now. What faith!
I never knew the origin behind this song..what a wonderful example of relying on God!
Beautiful post. When I served a mission for my church we were supposed to listen to things like Mo-Tab….(all good & well for most, but I am not a choir girl!) We could also listen to other spiritual music, & Jars of Clay was high on my list of favorites. Thanks for sharing the lyrics to such a wonderful song!
Thank you for this. It was beautiful. Whenever we sing that song I always get choked up. Every. Single. Time. It’s amazing. I knew the story behind it, and that just makes it even more amazing. Our God is good.
oh i do love this hymn… and all that goes with it!