The hymn "It Is Well with My Soul" was written by Horatio Spafford, a prominent American lawyer and Presbyterian Church elder in the 19th century. The story behind the hymn is a poignant and tragic one. In 1871, Spafford faced a series of devastating events. First, he experienced financial ruin as a result of the Great Chicago Fire, which destroyed much of his real estate investments. Despite this setback, Spafford and his wife, Anna, decided to join friends and well-known evangelists Dwight L. Moody and Ira Sankey on a trip to Europe for a series of revival meetings. Due to unexpected business developments, Spafford was delayed in Chicago, but he sent his wife and four daughters ahead on the ocean liner Ville du Havre. Tragically, the ship collided with the Loch Earn, and in a matter of minutes, it sank. Of Spafford's family, only his wife Anna survived. His four daughters perished in the tragic accident. Upon receiving the heartbreaking news, Spafford boarded the next available ship to join his grieving wife. It is said that during his journey, as his ship passed near the spot where his daughters had drowned, Spafford was inspired to pen the words to "It Is Well with My Soul." The hymn expresses profound trust and faith in God's sovereignty, even in the face of overwhelming sorrow. The opening lines convey a powerful message: "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." Despite the immense personal tragedy he faced, Horatio Spafford found solace and peace in his faith. The hymn has since become a source of comfort and inspiration for many, resonating with those who have experienced profound loss and yet find hope and assurance in their faith.
The hymn "It Is Well with My Soul" was written by Horatio Spafford, a prominent American lawyer and Presbyterian Church elder in the 19th century. The story behind the hymn is a poignant and tragic one.
In 1871, Spafford faced a series of devastating events. First, he experienced financial ruin as a result of the Great Chicago Fire, which destroyed much of his real estate investments. Despite this setback, Spafford and his wife, Anna, decided to join friends and well-known evangelists Dwight L. Moody and Ira Sankey on a trip to Europe for a series of revival meetings.
Due to unexpected business developments, Spafford was delayed in Chicago, but he sent his wife and four daughters ahead on the ocean liner Ville du Havre. Tragically, the ship collided with the Loch Earn, and in a matter of minutes, it sank. Of Spafford's family, only his wife Anna survived. His four daughters perished in the tragic accident.
Upon receiving the heartbreaking news, Spafford boarded the next available ship to join his grieving wife. It is said that during his journey, as his ship passed near the spot where his daughters had drowned, Spafford was inspired to pen the words to "It Is Well with My Soul."
The hymn expresses profound trust and faith in God's sovereignty, even in the face of overwhelming sorrow. The opening lines convey a powerful message:
"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."
Despite the immense personal tragedy he faced, Horatio Spafford found solace and peace in his faith. The hymn has since become a source of comfort and inspiration for many, resonating with those who have experienced profound loss and yet find hope and assurance in their faith.