"IT IS WELL WITH MY SOUL"

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble (Ps. 46:1). THIS BELOVED GOSPEL SONG was written by a Chicago Presbyterian layman, Horatio G. Spafford. As a young man he established a most successful legal practice in Chicago. Yet, despite his financial success, he always maintained a keen interest in Christian activities. He enjoyed a close, active relationship with D.L. Moody and the other evangelical leaders of that era. He was described by George Stebbins, a noted gospel musician, as a “man of unusual intelligence and refinement, deeply spiritual, and a devoted student of the Scriptures.” Some months prior to the Chicago Fire of 1871, Spafford had invested heavily in real estate on the shore of Lake Michigan, and his holdings were wiped out in the fire. They had also, just prior to the fire, experienced the death of their son. The desire that his wife and four daughters should have a rest, as well as his wish to join and assist Moody and Sankey in one of their campaigns in Great Britain, caused Spafford to plan a European trip for his family in 1873. An unexpected last minute business development meant that he had to remain in Chicago while his wife and four daughters went on ahead, as scheduled, on the S.S. Ville du Havre. He expected to follow them a few days later. On November 22 the ship was struck by the “Lochearn”, an English vessel, and sank in twelve minutes. Several days later the survivors had finally landed at Cardiff, Wales, and Mrs Spafford cabled her husband, “Saved alone.” Shortly afterward Spafford left by ship to join his bereaved wife. It is speculated that on the sea, near the area where it was thought his four daughters had drowned, Spafford wrote this hymn with words that so significantly portray his own personal grief: “When sorrows like sea billows roll...” It is noteworthy, however, that Spafford does not dwell on the theme of life’s sorrows and trials, but focuses attention in the third verse on the redemptive work of Christ, and then in the fifth verse anticipates His glorious Second Coming. Humanly speaking, it is amazing that one could experience such personal tragedy and sorrow, as did Horatio Spafford, and still be able to say with such convincing clarity: “Whatever my lot, Thou hast caused me to know: IT IS WELL, IT IS WELL WITH MY SOUL!”