We were asked what song thru this trial in our life right now have we clung to. My mom said "It is well with my soul." So I had to do a little research. Although I already knew most of the story behind this haunting yet beautiful hymn I did not know the full story.
Horatio Spafford penned this hymn in 1873. Before in 1871, he and his wife Anna lost their four year old boy (only son) to scarlett fever. The same year Horatio lost all of his life savings in the Great Chicago Fire. Two years later Horatio decided to take his wife and 4 daughters on a vacation to Europe. Some last minute business came up so he went ahead and sent his family over on the 'Ville de Havre' ship, he would follow in a few days. Nine days later Mr. Spafford received a telegram from his wife it stated "Saved Alone, what shall I do?" The ship had collided with a vessel and 226 lives were lost including all four of the Spafford daughters. Horatio immediately boarded a ship to go and be with his grieving wife. While en route the captain of the ship called Horatio to the bridge. The captain stated "A careful reckoning has been made, we are now passing the place where the 'de Havre' was wrecked." Horatio returned to his cabin and penned "When sorrow like sea billows roll, it is well with my soul." The story could end there but it doesn't. In 1881 the Spaffords with their 2 daughters moved to Jerusalem to spread the gospel of Christ. They started a group known as the "American Colony." Their cause was simple, to live like Christ lived. What a testimony.. In the midst of so much tradegy the Spaffords continued to praise the God of the universe.
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.
It is well, with my soul,
It is well, with my soul,
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.
(refrain)
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, O my soul!
(refrain)
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, with my soul,
It is well, with my soul,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.
Listen to the words. Let them resonate in you. Let them comfort you. Let the God of the universe give you peace. Let Him be your guide. Understand that not your sin in part BUT all of your sin was nailed to the cross so that you do not have to carry it. Let God carry it, carry your burden, your sorrow, carry you. Imagine the day when all of our faith will become our sight. We will get to see our loved ones, our kingdom, our Jesus.
The song I would choose is called "Come to Jesus." It is by Chris Rice. I have searched everywhere trying to find why this song was written. I would think a song with such moving words would have to have a reason for being written. Much to my dismay I can't find any source that tells me why it was written. All I could come across was that the song is about turning to Jesus thru all of life's circumstances. I chose to show a video instead of just the words b/c I thought many of you may have never heard the song before. This particular video is very simple thats I why I chose it. I looked at many videos some very beautiful but the images took away from hearing the words. I like how this video emphasizes certain words by text, the most meaningful words. Again let this song, the words resonate within you, let it stir your soul, let Jesus do His work most of all come to Jesus if you haven't. Cry to Him, Sing to Him, Fall on Him, Dance for Him so that in the end you may Fly to Him.
