By Lenore Buth
You're probably familiar with the hymn, "It is well with my soul"
No doubt the writer of this hymn was one whose life was going well, right?
Not true.
Horatio Spafford wrote those words in 1873, after suffering great loss.
Earlier, in 1871, Spafford as we would say, had it all. His Chicago legal practice was thriving and he also invested heavily in real estate in prime areas of the City. This devout Christian man and his lovely wife, Anna, had five children and they did indeed live "the good life."
Then their only son, age four, died.
Months later came the Great Chicago Fire. In hours much of Spafford's property, including his law office and much of their wealth literally went up in smoke.
Two years later, in 1873, came another blow, the great economic downturn
Spafford, concerned about Anna's health, booked November passage on a steam ship bound for Europe. At the last minute he stayed behind to iron out business issues but sent his wife and daughters on ahead.
Before a week went by the SS Ville du Havre collided with another ship. It sank in 12 minutes.
Anna Spafford was rescued, clinging to a piece of wood. Several days later the survivors were finally landed in Wales. She immediately cabled her husband this message:
"Saved alone."
The grieving father left at once to be with his wife.
During Spafford's voyage the captain pulled him aside
He knew their story and wanted to alert this father that they were nearing the area of the Atlantic where his children lost their lives.
With aching heart and a faith that would not die, Horatio Spafford later wrote these poignant words.
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. Refrain.
Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come;
Let this blest assurance control,
That Christ hath regarded my helpless estate
And hath shed His own blood for my soul. Refrain.
He lives--oh, the bliss of this glorious thought;
My sin, not in part, but the whole,
Is nailed to His cross, and I bear it no more.
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul!
Refrain: It is well with my soul, It is well with my soul.*
Can you see the connection to our lives? Our time?
The outward circumstances are different, but the issues are the same.
Look around and listen to the many people who are feeling bereft because the bottom has dropped out of their lives. They don't know how they will get through the day, let alone whatever comes next.
What about you and me?
Covid-19 dominates our news and our thoughts, too. What we thought was fixed and predictable has gone away. Schedules, shmedules. No one can say what will be possible. Or when.
Worst of all, who will survive?
And we know in our gut that life will never be the same. For anyone.
Where can we find peace in the midst of this pain and uncertainty?
Every human being has an internal compass of sorts. The place to start is by finding our true North.
[God said] For I am the Lord, I change not. --Malachi 3:6a KJV
He is our absolute certain. If we depend on him we can find our way through, no matter what comes.
Our troubled hearts can rest. Our merciful Father already demonstrated that he will never stop loving us.
[Jesus said] For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. --John 3:16-17 ESV
Perhaps you’re thinking, well, yes, God loves us and I am thankful. But I’m no hero. I’m feeling weak and shaky inside. I don’t know how much more I can take!
Where am I supposed to find strength to keep going through whatever comes next?
There’s only one Source of strength for our hearts and our minds and it’s always the same.
The LORD gives strength to his people; the LORD blesses his people with peace. --Psalm 29:11 NIV
Strength, the gift of God. Peace, also the gift of God.
This means we don't have to dredge up enough strength and peace from deep within ourselves.
Our part is simply to receive what he offers us so freely. Himself.
Then like Horatio Spafford, we can say--and mean it, "It is well with my soul."
The end.
*Verse 4 is omitted because some sources say it was written later, by another person.
BIO: Lenore Buth is glad to be part of the St. Matthew family and appreciates all the love and support. She has been writing for many years, including newspaper and magazine articles, as well as several books and some study materials for Concordia Publishing House.
She writes a weekly blog post and has kept it going since the summer of 2008. You can check it out at www.awomansview.typepad.com.