The Third Wednesday of Lent

February 20, 2008

WHEN PEACE LIKE A RIVER

(It Is Well with My Soul)

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 (it is well)
with my soul, (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 has regarded my helpless estate, and has shed his own blood for my soul. (Refrain)

He lives--oh, the bliss of this glorious thought; my sin, not in part, but the whole,
is nailed to his cross and I bear it no more. Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul! (Refrain)

Lord, hasten the day when our faith shall be sight, the clouds be rolled back as a scroll,
the trumpet shall sound and the Lord shall descend; even so it is well with my soul. (Refrain)
 

Text: Horatio G. Spafford, 1828-1888

Music has been a huge part of my life, from my first memories of singing “Christmas Bells” in Sunday school, standing in a circle, holding hands, swaying back and forth. I think I was about three.

One of my favorite hymns over the years is this one. I am so fond of it that I have chosen it to be sung at my memorial service. I’m a firm believer in being prepared. Even before I took the time to examine the verses, I was drawn to the refrain: “It is well with my soul.”

What does it mean to have your soul at peace?

The verses speak to the trials and sorrows of life that will surely come to us. Life will be hard.  Yet we are encouraged by the knowledge that no matter what happens, we will be saved because Christ has shed his blood for us. He fully recognizes our weaknesses and knows we cannot save ourselves.

But we can be prepared. We need only to recognize that all is well with our souls since Christ has given himself. 

Heavenly Father, continue to remind us that our souls can be at peace because you are our risen Savior. Keep us secure in the knowledge of this, our most blessed gift.

Suzanne Koch


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