November 22nd - It Is Well

November 22, 2017 - Thoughts for your Week

Scripture: Philippians 4:11-13

“I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.”

“He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”

Revelation 21: 4

It Is Well

The hymn; "It Is Well With My Soul" was penned by Horatio G. Spafford, a very successful lawyer and devout Christian from Chicago. In October 1871, the Great Chicago Fire brought the city of Chicago to ashes, and Horatio and his family lost everything. Wanting rest for himself, his wife Anna, and their four daughters, Spafford planned a European trip for his family. At the last minute, he had to remain in Chicago, but sent his family on ahead with the plan to join them soon after.

A few days into the voyage, the ship carrying his family was struck by another vessel, and sank in twelve minutes. All four of his daughters lost their lives, but Anna was saved. She sent a message to her husband with these simple words; 'saved alone'. Spafford left immediately to join his wife. 

There on the sea, near the spot where his daughters had died, he contemplated all he had lost. His grief must have been overwhelming, but he was sustained by his faith. Knowing that his daughters were not at the bottom of the ocean, but were rather with their Heavenly Father, he retired to his cabin and wrote the hymn.

This life God calls us into is not an easy one. There is often something brewing before us or chasing behind us, but if we have anchored ourselves to Christ, then we can withstand anything that comes our way.

Let the words of this hymn be a reminder to us that in all things we can say; “God is good”, and because He is good, it is well with our souls.

“Why, my soul, are you downcast?  Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God,  for I will yet praise him,  my Savior and my God.”

Psalm 42:5

“Return to your rest, my soul,  for the Lord has been good to you.”

Psalm 116:7

Will your circumstances dictate your worship, or will your worship dictate your circumstances?

  

It Is Well With My Soul

By Horatio Spafford

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.

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.

My sin—oh, the bliss of this glorious thought!—
My sin, not in part but the whole,
Is nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more,
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul!

For me, be it Christ, be it Christ hence to live:
If Jordan above me shall roll,
No pang shall be mine, for in death as in life
Thou wilt whisper Thy peace to my soul.

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!

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.

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