This hymn was written by Christian lawyer Horatio G. Spafford (1828-1888) and the music was composed by Philip P. Bliss (1838-1876). The words of this deeply touching song have brought comfort to many a heart that has been heavy through sorrow or sore tribulation. It reflects the heart of a man who has learned Jesus in the school of suffering. Truly, “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” (Psalm 46:1)
God was a very present help in trouble many times throughout Mr. Spafford’s life. Horatio G. Spafford was born in North Troy, New York on October 20, 1828. He became a successful Christian lawyer and maintained a deep devotion to the Scriptures.
Mr. Spafford had made large investments in real estate on Lake Michigan, but much of this property was destroyed in a fire in Chicago in 1871. Before this, Mr. Spafford had experienced the loss of his son.
Horatio Spafford and his family took a trip to Europe and enjoyed a restful time there. Mr. Spafford also had the opportunity to assist Moody and Sankey in one of their evangelistic campaigns in Great Britain. When the family was ready to leave, Mr. Spafford had a last minute business transaction and stayed behind while his family sailed for home. On the way home their vessel, the S.S. Ville du Havre, was struck by the Lockhearn, an English vessel. It sank in a few minutes and Mrs. Spafford was saved alone. Mr. Spafford’s four daughters were lost at sea.
As Mr. Spafford sailed home, and as he passed over the place where his four daughters had drowned, he penned the words to “It Is Well With My Soul.” Though the hymn touches on the sorrow he experienced and the trials of his life, he did not dwell on these things. In verse 3 he focused on the redemptive work of Christ. In verses 5 and 6 he portrayed his anticipation of the second coming of Christ.
Philip P. Bliss, the composer of the music for this song, wrote many gospel songs himself. Shortly after composing the music for this song, Mr. Bliss was killed in a tragic train accident. As one individual wrote on a web site, “On reflection, it is divinely amazing that one could experience such personal tragedies and sorrows as did Horatio Spafford, yet, [be] able to say with such convincing clarity, ‘It is well with my soul.’ It is an enormous challenge to embrace the significance of this hymn.”
We pray that you will be blessed by reading this story of this beloved him. Information was taken from http://www.suite101.com/content/hymn-it-is-well-with-my-soul-a32616 .
Here are the words to “It Is Well With My Soul”
1. When peace, like a river, attendeth my way,
When sorrows like sea billows roll;
Whatever my lot, Thou has taught me to say,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.
Refrain
It is well, with my soul,
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.
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!
4. 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.
5. 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!
6. And Lord, haste the day when my 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.