I didn’t grow up in a hymnal singing church and only recently discovered hymns of the faith. I have been enthralled with their beautiful melodies and rich biblical truths.
As I learn new hymns, I will post them on the blog with the lyrics, music, and their stories. In sharing these hymns, I hope you will discover or rediscover this beautiful heritage of Christianity and that it will inspire your faith in Christ.
Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.
Colossians 3:16
This hymn was composed by Horatio G. Spafford in 1873.
Horatio Spafford seemed to have a blessed life. He was a successful attorney, had significant real estate’s investment throughout Chicago, had a beloved wife, and five children— four girls and a boy. But in a story not unlike that of Job, tragedy came at his door and wrought havoc.
In 1871, Spafford lost a fortune due to the great Chicago fire. And shortly after, his four-year-old son died from scarlet fever. Then in 1873, the economic downturn hit his interest even further.
Seeking perhaps a respite from the hardships that befell his family, Spafford decided to take his wife and daughters on vacation to Europe. Spafford was friends with the famed D.L Moody and planned to visit their evangelistic meetings in England.
However, an unexpected urgent matter forced Spafford to stay behind. Consequently, he sent his family ahead aboard the Ville du Havre and planned to catch up with them as soon as possible. But a few days later, Spafford received a telegram that forever changed his life.
In the early morning of November 22, 1873, the Ville du Havre collided with the Loch Earn, an iron sailing vessel. The Ville du Havre sunk within twelve minutes and claimed the lives of 226 people. Among the causalities were all four Spafford children: Maggie, Tanetta, Annie, and Bessie.
Mrs. Spafford was among the 47 survivors. When she arrived in Cardiff, Wales, she sent a short telegram to her husband, which said, “Saved alone. What shall I do?”
Spafford immediately booked passage to join his grieving wife. And at some point during the voyage, the captain called Spafford on the bridge. He said, “a careful reckoning has been made, and I believe we are now passing the very area where the Ville du Havre sunk.”
Spafford said to himself, “it is well; the will of God be done.” He penned the words to It Is Well With My Soul during that journey.
Philip Bliss, a famous hymn composer, wrote the melody for the hymn in 1876 and titled it Ville du Havre.
Full lyrics of It Is Well With My Soul
When peace, like a river, attendeth my way,
When sorrows like sea billows roll;
Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say,
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 hath 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 His cross, and I bear it no more,
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul!
(Refrain)
For me, be it Christ, be it Christ hence to live:
If Jordan above me shall roll,
No pain shall be mine, for in death as in life
Thou wilt whisper Thy peace to my soul.
(Refrain)
But, Lord, ’tis for Thee, for Thy coming we wait,
The sky, not the grave, is our goal;
Oh, trump of the angel! Oh, voice of the Lord!
Blessed hope, blessed rest of my soul!
(Refrain)
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,
Even so, it is well with my soul.
(Refrain)
Lyrics and story from: Morgan, Robert. Then Sings My Soul. Nashville, Thomas Nelson. Page 185
