Hymn for Father's Day: It Is Well With My Soul

Imagine sending your spouse and children on ahead to your new home, while you remain behind to finish up the remaining business. Then imagine your spouse calling and saying,"There's been an accident; I was the only one that survived."

This is exactly what happened to Horatio Spafford. It is the inspiration behind of the most beloved hymns,"It Is Well With My Soul."

Horatio's wife Anna went ahead to America with his four daughters while he stayed behind. The boat the Spafford family was on collided with another. 226 souls, including the four daughters, drowned; 29 survived.

Mrs. Spafford's telegram to her husband read thus:

Saved alone what shall I do. Mrs. Goodwin children Willie Culver lost. Go with Lorriaux until answer reply Porclain 64 Rue Aboukir Paris Spafford

(For a fuller account, check out this link on the Christian History Institute website--but make sure you have something handy to wipe away the tears.)

I can't help but think of Job's reaction to his great loss, and speculate on what might be my own, should something like that ever befall me. I could only hope God would grant the strength to see me through, because I know only God's strength could see anyone though that.

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.

It is well, with my soul,
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 has 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!

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,
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, with my soul,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.