Peace Like A River

When peace, like a river, attendeth my way,
When sorrows like sea billows roll;
Whatever my lot, Thou has taught me to say,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.

Horatio Spafford (October 20, 1828 – October 16, 1888) out of deep anguish penned the beloved hymn It Is Well with My Soul.

Horatio experienced the death of his only son in 1871 at the age of four shortly after the great Chicago Fire which ruined him financially. At the time, he was a lawyer who had heavily invested in property which the fire destroyed. An economic downturn in 1873 furthered his losses. He planned a trip to Europe with his family aboard the SS Ville du Havre. Some pressing business made for late change in plans so his wife and four daughters went ahead of him. As the ship crossed the Atlantic, it collided with Loch Earn. His wife Anna survived. She sent him the now famous telegram, "Saved alone . . .". (Wikipedia).

Horatio traveled to meet his wife and the words of the now famous hymn flowed from his heart as the ship passed near the place he lost his daughters.

Beloved, there is day or season where we may suffer tremendous loss. And as life carries us forward along its current, we must come to a place of absolute surrender to the sovereignty of God. Horatio lost land, finances, his daughters but he did not lose His God. Peering over the rail of the ship down at the gray icy waters that stole the life of his daughters, Horatio resolved to bless the Lord. Like Job, he surrender his soul to the one who understand his suffering and pain.

And said, Naked came I out of my mother's womb, and naked shall I return thither: the LORD gave, and the LORD hath taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD. (Job 1:21 KJV).

Can you worship when your wife walks out the front door without any explanation? When your husband’s calls to say he’s with someone else? Or when the home you built with care is foreclosed and auctioned off? When the promotion you were promise was given to someone else and you are shown the door because your job was eliminated? When you stand over the one you loved, praying and hoping for healing, only to watch their eyes close forever?

For those today who may be suffering and in need of comfort, take a moment to read Psalms 103. May the God of peace surround you and calm the storms raging inside. God is still worthy to be praised, even if we don't understand why such loss and pain. May we all come to that place like Horatio who in a painful whisper to God, could say, "It is well with my soul."

In that moment, you will experience a river of peace that will carry you through the night and bring you safely into the arms of Jesus.