"It Is Well With My Soul"

If you've been in Men's Chorale for any amount of time, you've heard this one. Its one of Harold's favorite stories to tell, but there is definitely a reason behind the repetition. This story wows me every time, and it makes me reflect on my small, minimal woes that occur in my life daily, and the things that people overcome with the Lord's help that make them such better Christians that I. Here is the story of the type of man I want to pursue to become...


Picture this: You and your family are heading to Europe on a ship, but you have a few things to take care of before you can leave, so you send them ahead of you and will follow in a few weeks. You get notice before you leave that all four of your children have died when the ship they were on went down after a collision, and only your spouse survived to tell of it. Now, full of grief, you head on the next ship out to Europe to meet your grieving spouse. As you pass the spot where all four of your children lie, the captain comes in your cabin to let you know (as you asked) that this was where it all happened. You stand up, grab a coat, pen, and paper, and walk out to the deck in both gloom and with a mind full of longing for understanding. You, with the Lord's purpose in mind, then write the following poetic lines:

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.

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

And the verses go on. This is a true story of Horatio Spafford, and I can only hope that someday I may have such faith in God. Now, try and sing this one in church without realizing the power behind such words!!