I was playing through the hymn book today for a few minutes and “It Is Well With My Soul” came up. Years ago I read a book written by one of the daughters of Spafford. This daughter and her sister were born to him and his wife later in life.

Most people know the story of Spafford and his wife losing their four daughters in a ship accident. What most people don’t know is that a couple of years earlier they had lost their only son to sickness and then lost all of their savings in the Great Chicago Fire.

The song that has blessed and comforted so many was forged in the crucible of sorrow. I think that’s why it resonates with so many people. My favourite verse is the one that starts “My sin, oh, the bliss of this glorious thought…” It speaks so triumphantly of Christ taking away our sins on the cross.

I found this short video that gives the history behind the song and thought you might enjoy it.

I knew there were more verses than those typically found in most hymnbooks and was able to find the lyrics today for all of the verses…

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 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.

Which is your favourite verse?