Today I’m feeling ‘off.’ Nothing is really wrong, but nothing feels quite right. I’m still well fed, and I have a comfortable bed, and clothes to wear…
Actually, when I think about it, lots of things ARE wrong. Just take a look at, or listen to, the news. Aghhh! Everything is wrong. Are we on the brink of World War III? It’s as if the world feels a bit like a shipwreck.
It’s not nice to feel like this. What I want to feel is that all is right with my soul. Right now, I feel like things are NOT right with my soul. So, I looked up the hymn, “All is right with my soul.” I was surprised to hear the story behind this hymn. It’s a story of a real shipwreck; and of sadness, tragedy and death.
In late 1873, Horatio Spafford wrote the hymn in the midst of trouble. He had every reason to think that things weren’t quite right. They were actually horribly, terribly wrong. Yet, the hymn is of hope and praise, whether one’s lot is peaceful, or full of sorrows and trials.
The story of Horatio and Anna Spafford and their family took place before Christmas. It’s not Christmas yet, but the story of God’s love shining in the darkness is relevant throughout the year:
The story behind the hymn It is Well with my Soul
It is Well with my Soul
When peace like a river, attends my way,
When sorrows like sea billows roll;
Whatever my lot, You have taught me to know
It is well, it is well, with my soul.
Refrain
It is well, (it is well),
With my soul, (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 has 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 His cross, and I bear it no more,
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul!
And Lord, haste the day when the faith shall be sight,
The clouds be rolled back as a scroll;
The trump shall resound, and the Lord shall descend,
A song in the night, oh my soul!
What about you?
How are things with your soul?
Are you disturbed by current events?
Where do you find hope and comfort?