It Is Well With My Soul - Hillsong Chapel

Details

Description

A Heartbreaking Story

“It is Well with My Soul” was written in 1873 by Horatio Spafford, a successful lawyer, following a series of horrific tragedies. The first heartbreaking event was the loss of his four-year-old son to illness, followed shortly thereafter by the Great Chicago Fire. Spafford’s finances collapsed at this time, as he had invested in many properties now destroyed by the fire. In 1873, Spafford planned to sail with his family to England, in order to assist D.L. Moody with an evangelistic crusade. However, at the last minute, Spafford sent his family ahead, while he stayed behind to attend to some business matters.

On that fateful voyage, the unthinkable happened. The ship struck another vessel and all four of Spafford’s daughters died. Remarkably, his wife, Anna, survived the catastrophe and sent him a short, but heartrending telegram- “Saved alone.”

Soon after, Spafford sailed to join his now grieving wife. As his ship passed near the area where his daughters lost their lives, with incredible soul-strength, Spafford penned the lyrics to the hymn “It is Well with My Soul.”

Christ Gives Peace in Life and Death

Though life brings turmoil and uncertainty, believers hold to the promise of peace in Christ, even as we look toward His return. Spafford’s hymn echoes this assurance: because of Jesus, it is well with my soul.