Title: It Is Well with My Soul
Hymn Number: SS&S 901 (Sacred songs and solo)
1 When peace, like a river, attendeth my way,
When sorrows, like sea-billows, roll ;
Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to know,
It is well, 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 hath 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 His 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 !
About The Hymn
The hymn “It Is Well with My Soul“, numbered 901 in Sacred Songs and Solos, is a powerful expression of peace and trust in God, even amidst life’s deepest trials. Written by Horatio Spafford in 1873 following a series of personal tragedies, this five-verse hymn encapsulates a profound sense of hope and surrender to God’s will. Each verse explores a different facet of faith and resilience, rooted in the assurance of God’s eternal goodness and grace.
Verse 1: Peace Amidst Trials
The hymn opens with the serene declaration, “When peace like a river attendeth my way, when sorrows like sea billows roll.” These contrasting images—peaceful rivers and tumultuous waves—capture the duality of life’s experiences: moments of calm and times of intense suffering. Yet, the refrain, “Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say, it is well, it is well with my soul,” reveals the core message of the hymn. It speaks of a peace that transcends circumstances, a peace grounded in faith and trust in God.
This verse reflects Philippians 4:7, which describes the peace of God as surpassing all understanding. It encourages believers to maintain their trust in God, regardless of external challenges. By affirming that “it is well,” the hymn demonstrates a surrender to God’s sovereignty, acknowledging that He is in control even in the face of life’s storms.
Verse 2: Assurance of Forgiveness
The second verse shifts focus to the spiritual foundation of this peace: the forgiveness of sins. It proclaims, “Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come, let this blest assurance control.” Here, the hymn acknowledges the reality of spiritual and earthly struggles but immediately redirects attention to the assurance found in Christ’s sacrifice.
The line, “That Christ hath regarded my helpless estate, and hath shed His own blood for my soul,” highlights the heart of the gospel message. It reassures believers that Christ’s atonement is sufficient to cover all sins, offering complete redemption and reconciliation with God. This assurance of salvation provides the ultimate source of peace, enabling believers to declare, “It is well with my soul,” even in the midst of trials.
Verse 3: The Fullness of Redemption
In the third verse, the hymn celebrates the completeness of Christ’s work on the cross. “My sin—oh, the bliss of this glorious thought! My sin, not in part, but the whole,” reflects an overwhelming gratitude for the totality of forgiveness offered through Jesus. By emphasizing that sin has been fully forgiven, the hymn underscores the believer’s freedom from guilt and condemnation.
The triumphant declaration, “Is nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more,” draws from Colossians 2:14, which speaks of Christ canceling the record of sin by nailing it to the cross. This verse invites worshippers to rejoice in the liberation and joy that come from knowing their sins are forgiven, leading them to proclaim, “Praise the Lord, O my soul!”
Verse 4: Hope in Resurrection
The fourth verse shifts to a future-focused hope, rooted in the promise of Christ’s return. It begins, “For me, be it Christ, be it Christ hence to live,” echoing the Apostle Paul’s words in Philippians 1:21: “For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” This line expresses a profound commitment to live for Christ, even in the face of death.
The verse also speaks of hope beyond death, declaring, “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.” Here, the “Jordan” symbolizes death, but the believer is assured of Christ’s presence and peace even in that moment. This verse affirms the eternal security of those who trust in Jesus, reminding them that God’s peace accompanies them both in life and in death.
Verse 5: The Glory of Christ’s Return
The final verse climaxes with a triumphant vision of Christ’s second coming: “And Lord, haste the day when the faith shall be sight, the clouds be rolled back as a scroll.” This imagery is drawn from Revelation and 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17, which describe the return of Christ with power and glory. The rolling back of clouds symbolizes the unveiling of God’s eternal kingdom and the fulfillment of His promises.
The line, “The trump shall resound, and the Lord shall descend, even so, it is well with my soul,” reflects the believer’s confident anticipation of Christ’s return. Despite the awe and majesty of this event, the refrain remains unchanged, reaffirming the deep-seated peace that comes from faith in God’s ultimate plan.
Overall Message and Significance
“It Is Well with My Soul” is a profound hymn of faith, offering solace and encouragement to believers facing trials, loss, or uncertainty. Its message is anchored in the assurance of salvation, the sufficiency of Christ’s sacrifice, and the hope of eternal life. By declaring “it is well,” the hymn calls worshippers to trust in God’s sovereignty and find peace in His promises, no matter what challenges arise.
The hymn’s enduring popularity stems from its ability to resonate deeply with those who have experienced suffering or loss. It reminds believers that their ultimate peace and security lie not in worldly circumstances but in the unchanging character of God. Whether sung in moments of sorrow or joy, “It Is Well with My Soul” continues to inspire faith, hope, and unwavering trust in the Lord.