This hymn was written after several traumatic events in Spafford’s life. The first was the death of his only son in 1871, shortly followed by
the great Chicago Fire which ruined him financially (he had been a successful
lawyer). Then in 1873, he had planned to travel to Europe with his family on the
S.S. Ville du Havre, but sent the family ahead while he was delayed on business concerning zoning problems following the Great Chicago Fire. While crossing the
Atlantic, the ship sank rapidly after a collision with a sailing ship, the
Loch Earn, and all four of Spafford's daughters died. His wife Anna survived and sent him the now famous telegram, "Saved alone." Shortly afterwards, as Spafford traveled to meet his grieving wife, he was inspired to write these words as his ship passed near where his daughters had died.
Bliss called his tune
Ville du Havre, from the name of the stricken vessel.
[1]The Spaffords later had three more children, one of whom (a son) died in
infancy. In 1881 the Spaffords, including baby Bertha and newborn Grace, set sail for
Palestine. The Spaffords moved to
Jerusalem and helped found a group called the
American Colony; its mission was to serve the poor. The colony later became the subject of the
Notice, he had three more children, one of whom ( a son ) died in infancy. Tragedy kept striking but he kept going and ended up with Bertha and Grace. Why they were united of one mind, comforted each other decided where do go there? We can make more babies, let’s go to work. God is a good God. God is good all the time. And when the boy cane, O what a joy! But it was short short-lived. Nevertheless, they did not throw in the towel. God is still good. He is in control. We can still carry on. Come let’s go again and Bertha came with better news and Grace the grace of God crowned it in the end. Glory! They were in agreement in grief, symphonized in sorrow..
Yes, in your marriage or business, ministry there will be losses but with God all things are possible . With Him you can recover bounce back and move forward again.
Now look at the song that came from that tragedy that has comforted countless souls following what happened to Spafford. God used the bad thing that happened to him to bring about something good.. His ways are past finding.
When peace like a river attendeth my way
When sorrows like sea billows
roll
What ever my lot you have taught me to say
It is well, it is well with my soul
Though the devil will ruin, though trials may come
Let this blessed assurance control
That Christ has regarded my helpless estate
And He shed
His own blood for my soul
It is well, with my soul
It is well, it is well with 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, oh my soul
It is well, with my soul
It is well, it is well with my soul
It is well with my soul
It is well, it is well with my soul
And Lord haste the day when my faith shall be sight
And 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
It is well with my soul
It is well, it is well with my soul
It is well with my soul
It is well, it is well with my soul
When peace like a river attendeth my soul
When sorrows like sea billows
roll
Whatever my lot thou hast taught me to say
It is well, it is well with my soul...
God's love is like a river
At every turn and every bend
And faith in Him will turn your heart around
'Cause even though we sin,
There's forgiveness in the end
And the river's gonna keep on rollin' on
Regardless of what you face, look unto the Author and Finisher of your faith. It is well with your soul so long as you drink form the well of salvation. Salvation belongs to the Lord. He will not leave you nor forsake you. He will work through what you go through. He will work in you to work through you. The fires and the billows that rise will also fall and you will come out shining like gold, reflecting His beauty and glory. You will come out, a fire brand, a sharp threshing instrument with teeth, with the ability to beat mountains small. Yes, when you go through the waters, you will not drown. When you go through the fire, you will not be burnt. You are coming out to glorify your Maker and your God. Your trials are working for you, an exceeding weight of eternal glory. You may be hard-pressed, but you will not be crushed. You may be perplexed but you need not be in despair. You may be persecuted but the Lord your God will not abandon you - the work of His Hands. He said, "I will never leave you nor forsake you until the end of the age."
"In the world you will have tribulation but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world. Whoever is born of God overcomes this world; and this is the victory that overcomes the world, even your faith. The righteous may fall seven times but he rises again because of the greater One who indwells him. Nay in all these things we are more than conquerors through Christ. There more for you than are against you. Therefore, neither death, nor life, nor principalities nor powers present, nor powers impending or threatening, nor height nor depth nor anything in all creation shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus. Christ in you the hope of glory. If God be for us, who can be against us? God is working EVERTHING together for those who love God and who are called according to His purposes. Stand therefore to see the salvation of the Lord!
Spafford's God is also your God!
May the Holy Spirit quicken this prophetic word to you.. In Jesus' Name.
