It is Well with my Soul

    We all have our favorite hymns. Sometimes they change with our season of life, but if you look into the history of them, they can speak to you even more.

     I was given some pretty devastating news from the doctor on Friday, and as I talking with Mom about it, she brought up the hymn "It is Well with my Soul". Now, our situations are not even close to being the same, but it is still a reminder of what is important.

    "It is Well" was written by a devout Presbyterian man (maybe an Elder or Deacon, I can't remember) living in Chicago. He was very wealthy, had a wife and 4 daughters, but sadly lost his son. Then the Chicago fire happened and he lot all of his real estate and therefore his fortune. He and his family decided to go to Europe for a reprieve. At the last second he had to stay behind to tend to business but sent his family ahead with plans to follow. The ship carrying his family sank and only the wife was saved. When he traveled to rejoin his wife, the captain of his vessel pointed out the spot where the ship carrying his family went down and it was there that the hymn "It is Well" was written.

     Things did not look up for him though, he and his wife later lost another son. But the point of the hymn remains the same: regardless of the circumstances, if I am in Christ, all is well with my soul.

     This is both a difficult and comforting concept to grasp. In the middle of the situation it is hard to think; "well, at least I am good for eternity! I will let these hard things go!" Nor should we be like that. But we do need to acknowledge that Adonai is sovereign, and circumstances don't effect our salvation. However, our actions can. Are we going to stay mad, turn our backs and walk away? Or are we going to say: "Okay Lord, I don't understand, but I trust and love you" and continue walking with him? I am not saying don't get mad at Adonai. We are human, we will get mad at Him. I am saying don't stay there, and don't make decisions while in that state.

     "Blessed be the name of the Lord!" "King of Kings and Lord of Lords!" "It is well with my soul."

     Until next time, may Adonai bless you and your homes.