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.
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.
The Heartbreaking Story Behind the Hymn
Horatio G. Spafford, a Chicago lawyer and devout Christian, penned It Is Well With My Soul in 1873 amid profound personal tragedy. In 1871, the Great Chicago Fire devastated his financial stability by destroying his property investments. Two years later, he planned a family trip to Europe, but urgent business kept him behind while his wife, Anna, and their four daughters sailed on the SS Ville du Havre. Tragically, the ship sank after a collision in the Atlantic, and only Anna survived. Upon receiving her telegram—“Saved alone”—Spafford sailed to join her, writing the hymn’s lyrics as his ship passed over the waters where his daughters perished. His words reflect an unshakable faith in God’s sovereignty despite overwhelming loss.
Why the Hymn Resonates Today
The enduring power of It Is Well With My Soul lies in its universal message of peace through faith. Its themes speak to life’s highs and lows:
- Peace Amid Chaos: The imagery of a “river” of peace contrasted with “sea billows” of sorrow acknowledges life’s dualities, offering hope that faith can anchor us.
- Redemption and Forgiveness: The third stanza celebrates Christ’s sacrifice, freeing believers from the weight of sin.
- Eternal Hope: Later verses look to the promise of eternity, where death gives way to glory, encouraging perseverance.
In a world of uncertainty—be it personal loss or global challenges—the hymn’s refrain, “It is well with my soul,” remains a bold declaration of trust. Its presence in churches, contemporary covers, and media underscores its timeless relevance.
The Music: A Perfect Complement
Philip P. Bliss composed the melody for It Is Well With My Soul, creating a flowing, serene tune that mirrors the lyrics’ “peace like a river.” The soaring refrain invites singers to proclaim their faith with conviction. Its simplicity ensures accessibility, while its emotional depth carries listeners from sorrow to hope, making it a perfect match for Spafford’s words.
A Legacy of Comfort
Since 1873, It Is Well With My Soul has become a cornerstone of Christian hymnody, translated into many languages and sung in diverse settings—from worship services to funerals. Its ability to comfort during wartime, grief, or personal trials makes it a universal anthem of resilience. For those who sing it, the hymn is a testimony, inviting reflection on life’s challenges and the peace found in God’s presence.
Conclusion
It Is Well With My Soul is more than a hymn; it’s a beacon of hope born from one man’s profound faith amid tragedy. Its lyrics, placed here at the start, set the stage for a message that continues to inspire. Whether you face storms or seek quiet reflection, this hymn reminds us that with God, it can truly be well with our souls.
