It Is Well

Kayla George
May 20, 2016
2 min read

Have you ever heard of the hymn "It Is Well"? Yes, maybe you've heard of Bethel's version, but what about the hymn, written by Horatio Spafford? Do you know why Spafford wrote the song? Here's a little history for you.

Horatio Spafford lived from 1828 to 1888. He was a wealthy lawyer with a very important legal business. He had a magnificent home, a beautiful wife named Anna, and four wonderful daughters and a son. At the peak of his financial success, Spafford and his wife lost their son to scarlet fever. In 1871, the Great Chicago Fire destroyed almost all the real estate investments Spafford had. In 1873, Horatio planned a boat trip to Europe for his wife and daughters to take a vacation. He stayed behind to take care of some unexpected business. Days later, he heard that the ship had crashed and sank; out his wife and daughters, only his wife had survived. While on a boat to join his wife, it was then that Spafford wrote the words to "It Is Well."

Spafford had been through so much. His son had died of scarlet fever, most of his investments were destroyed in a fire, and his daughters were all killed in boat wreck. Things seemed to just get worse for him. He really had nothing left. What good was it to believe in a God that couldn't have saved his fortune or his children? Despite all the trouble he faced, Horatio knew that God had a plan for his life. He wrote these words on the boat to meet his wife:

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.

Spafford knew that God had it all under control. He knew that no matter what happened, God would take care of him. Look at the lyrics. It says, "Whatever my lot". That means: no matter what happens, I know it is well.

I don't know what you might be facing right now. Maybe you have a sick family member, or your parents are fighting. Maybe you just lost a friend, or you failed a test. It may feel like the end of the world. But we always have to remember that God has his hand over the entire situation. He knows what is going to happen. He knows what you need and when you need it. It may not always seem like God cares, but he does, and he knows everything that is going on. Just trust in him and let him reassure you that it is well.