The Story Behind “It Is Well With My Soul”
“God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, even though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; Though its waters roar and be troubled, Though the mountains shake with its swelling.”
Have you ever felt overwhelmed and you felt like you would not be able to bear another heavy load? It can seem like when you get through one challenge another challenge comes along, and you wonder where is God? Does He not care? Has He forsaken me? Is He punishing me? You feel helpless and all alone, and you go through the feelings of despair and defeat.
One of my favorite hymns I sang in church growing up is “It Is Well With My Soul” or you may see the title “When Peace Like A River.” The lyrics to this hymn brings great comfort to me, and after learning the story behind this hymn, it has renewed my faith in knowing whatever I go through, we have nothing to worry about or fear when we have God’s peace living inside of us.
Horatio Spafford was a Presbyterian layman, successful lawyer and real estate investor in Chicago. When the Great Chicago Fire happened in 1871, Horatio lost his fortune. Before the Chicago Fire his four-year old son died from scarlet fever.
Horatio and Anna Spafford
The family was under a lot of stress and his wife was so overcome with grief he decided to send his wife and four daughters to England for a vacation on the S. S. Ville de Havre. He was going to join them later after he finished with some business he had to take care of. The ship his family was traveling on was involved in a terrible collision while crossing the Atlantic Ocean on November 22, 1873 and sank in 12 minutes. All four of his daughters died along with more than 200 people. When his wife Anna reached Cardiff, Wales, she sent her husband a telegram that began: “Saved alone. What shall I do?”
The Spafford daughters
After receiving the telegram, Horatio immediately set sail for England. During the voyage the captain was aware Horatio had lost his four daughters in the collision. He requested for Horatio to join him. He pointed out the location where the collision occurred. A devout Christian he thought about his four daughters and he was comforted by the hope he had. He rushed to his room and he penned the words to a poem.
Returning home, the Spaffords had friends to visit them. One of those friends was Phillip Bliss, a vocalist and songwriter. Bliss was so moved by Spafford’s poem he composed music for it, calling it “It Is Well With My Soul”. It was sung as a new hymn at Dwight L. Moody’s crusades.
Song Lyrics
1. 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
CHORUS
It is well
With my soul
It is well, it is well with my soul
2. Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come,
Let this blest assurance control,
That Christ has regarded my helpless estate,
And hath shed His own blood for my soul
CHORUS
It is well (it is well)
With my soul (with my soul)
It is well, it is well with my soul
3. 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
CHORUS
It is well (it is well)
With my soul (with my soul)
It is well, it is well with my soul
Cassandra Portee is an elementary music schoolteacher by day and has been for over 30 years. Her passion is music history and teaching about the lives of the classical composers. She’s also Seele’s copywriter. In her spare time she teaches piano lessons, works in the after school program at her school, volunteers on political campaigns, she’s involved in her church, she mentors young women, and she contributes to her community in planning events. Most weekends you can find her nestled in a bookstore, reading books with the latest seasonal latte.