Most everyone knows of the story behind the writing of the hymn It is Well with my Soul. The story of the successful attorney, Horatio Spafford, whose four precious daughters perished in the sinking of a ship. His wife was miraculously saved. On his way to meet his wife across the ocean, as he reached the place where his daughters had drowned he wrote, "When sorrows like sea billows roll . . . it is well with my soul." The hymn in its entirety is a picture of hope that millions have sung since being given the assurance of the faithful God whom we serve.
Circumstances do not control our lives or our worship. Mature Christian faith is evidenced when there is inner peace no matter the surprises or difficulties that come our way. We live with a confidence in our heavenly Father.
In Psalm 34:14-15 we are challenged by the words of David to always do good; turning away from evil, searching for peace and maintaining it. That peace that passes all human understanding can only come from intimate fellowship with the Father.
Sometimes it is not difficulties or evil but just being completely overwhelmed that challenges us in our circumstances. But again, David says in Psalm 142:2-3 that even when we are overwhelmed the Lord Himself shows us which way to turn. What a blessing! What comfort and assurance!
In I Peter 4:19 we are reminded that if we are suffering from doubt, or wanting to give up, that God wants us to keep on doing what is right and trusting in Him who created us as He has promised to never fail us.
And then, if we are in great trouble we are reminded in Ps. 46:1 that God is always our refuge and strength and ever present to help us.
Then in Galatians 2:20 we find the secret to actual trust no matter the circumstances we find ourselves in. It is the Christ life living in us that gives us the power to "rest" completely in Him and be able to say quietly and sing confidently - "It is well, it is well with my soul". mjm
