"it is well for my soul"

In 1873 Horacio Spafford sent his family ahead of him to Europe, planning to join them later. But the ship carrying his wife and four daughters never made it to the U.K. After a collision with another ship, it sank, and Spafford’s four daughters with it. His wife survived. Spafford took a ship to France to meet his wife, and when they passed over the site of the shipwreck, the captain showed him the spot where his daughters lost their lives. As he stood, weeping, on the bridge of the ship, God led him to write the words to the classic hymn, “It Is Well With My Soul.” The opening lines still provide comfort today: “When peace like a river attendeth my way, when sorrow like sea billows roll, whatever my lot Thou hast taught me to say, it is well, it is well with my soul.”

Grief and heartache are real. But even in the middle of tragedy, when we accept God’s will and loving care, we can experience perfect peace.

God, please strengthen my trust in You so that I can rest in Your peace during times of tragedy. Amen.

*From Inspired Faith today from inspiredfaith.com