It is Well with My Soul (even if at times it doesn't feel that way)

It has been a tough week in the Methodist Church. For those of us feeling pushed out or pushed aside, there is can be feelings of anger, despair, grief and abandonment. But even in our darkest moments God is present in and through whatever the circumstance. If you can't feel that presence, try stilling yourself. Quiet your mind and focus on your life giving breath. Give God a chance. We tend to jump into high "I'm gonna fix this" mode and we don't listen for God to comfort and guide next steps. But God will, given the chance.

There is quite a story behind the hymn "It is Well With my Soul." The author, Horatio G. Spafford (1828-1888), was a Presbyterian layman from Chicago. He had established a very successful legal practice as a young businessman and was also a devout Christian. Among his close friends were several evangelists including the famous Dwight L. Moody, also from Chicago. 

Spafford’s fortune evaporated in the wake of the great Chicago Fire of 1871. Having invested heavily in real estate along Lake Michigan’s shoreline, he lost everything overnight. In a saga reminiscent of Job, his son died a short time before his financial disaster. But the worst was yet to come. 

Hymnologist Kenneth Osbeck tells the story: “Desiring a rest for his wife and four daughters as well as wishing to join and assist Moody and [his musician Ira] Sankey in one of their campaigns in Great Britain, Spafford planned a European trip for his family in 1873. In November of that year, due to unexpected last-minute business developments, he had to remain in Chicago, but sent his wife and four daughters on ahead as scheduled on the S.S. Ville du Havre. He expected to follow in a few days. “On November 22 the ship was struck by the Lochearn, an English vessel, and sank in twelve minutes. Several days later the survivors were finally landed at Cardiff, Wales, and Mrs. Spafford cabled her husband, ‘Saved alone.’” 

Spafford left immediately to join his wife. This hymn is said to have been penned as he approached the area of the ocean thought to be where the ship carrying his daughters had sunk. 

BYU Vocal Point

Published on Feb 20, 2017

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