John 14:27 – Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives to I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.
Horatio Spafford is best known for writing the popular hymn “It is Well With My Soul.” The story behind his strong words is one of great struggle. He lost a fortune in the Chicago fire of 1871 and lost his four-year-old son to scarlet fever around the same time. Wanting to take his family on a vacation to get away from the struggles, he sent his wife and four daughters on a ship to England, where he would soon join them. However, the family’s ship was involved in a terrible collision that sunk it, taking over 200 lives in the process. While Mr. Spafford’s wife survived, all four daughters did not. He immediately set sail for England to join his wife. Upon passing the spot where his daughters lost their lives, Mr. Spafford was overcome with words of comfort and hope – which he wrote down. These words would become the beloved hymn you may know today:
“When peace like a river attendeth my way, when sorrows like sea billows roll, whatever my lot, thou has taught me to say, ‘It is well, it is well with my soul…” 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… 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… o my soul!”
How are you feeling today? Do you feel great loss and strife? Or is your current situation well with your soul, like Mr. Spafford? God is ready to give you His peace that will calm all your fears. Trust that no matter what happens, He will not leave you.
Pray With Us
God, I admit that things aren’t always well with my soul. But I know that You give peace that is not of this world. Today, I pray that You would let your peace fall over me like a blanket. Calm my fears. Remove my worries. God, You are in control, and You will work everything for what is best for me. Thank you that I can always look to You for comfort. I love you, Lord.
Amen.
