A Song for Sunday: It Is Well with My Soul

Today I am going to be focusing on an oldie. It's a hymn that is pretty well known throughout the world and has always been one of my favorite songs. Sure the language is a bit like the King James Bible and can seem outdated and archaic. But I think it's absolutely beautiful. Then again, this is coming from the girl who loves Olde English and enjoys reading works using this style of text. However, the message from the hymn "It Is Well with my Soul" is not outdated at all. It's one that stands true throughout the test of time.

The first verse of the hymn is what truly captures me. "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."  These lines start out this famous hymn and remind me of a Bible verse I have committed to memory. 

Philippians 4:11-12 state " Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need." And this is my prayer. That in everything I am content. Because no matter what happens it can be well with my soul.

When everything seems to be going right and the river of peace is flowing through my veins, it is well. When sorrow takes me by surprise and I am carried away with grief, it is well. On the mountain top where the sun always seems to be shining, it is well. And in the valley where it doesn't seem to stop raining, it is well. 

Throughout all the joys and sorrows of life, God is still teaching me that in everything it is well with my soul. Because as Philippians 4:13 states, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." This does not mean everything I decide to do will be blessed. It means that whatever comes my way in life, I will be able to get through it with Christ. For without Him I am weak, but with Him even my weakness is made strong.  Because of this, I can find joy in all circumstances. Because of this, I can truly say "It is well with my soul."