Saturday, September 18, 2010

It is Well with my Soul

I played the piano today for a memorial Service at our church.   One of the hymns we sang was It is Well with my Soul.  This hymn was written in 1874 by a man named Horatio Spafford following the loss of his four children at sea.  His wife was spared and sent him a cable which read "saved alone".

Despite this tremendous heartache, Mr. Spafford knew that whatever his lot, God had taught him to say, it was well with his soul.  I think Mr. Spafford would be quite pleased to know that people are still being blessed and encouraged from the words he wrote over 130 years ago.  

I made the image above with some vintage graphics from my personal collection.  I'm sharing it with you to use as you'd like.  I just ask that you don't alter it.   You can click on it for a larger image.

If you don't know the lyrics of this old hymn, take a look below, the words are quite powerful.

IT IS WELL WITH MY SOUL
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.

Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come,
Let this blest assurance control,
That Christ has regarded my helpless estate,
And hath shed His own blood for my soul.

My sin—oh, the bliss of this glorious thought—
My sin—not in part but the whole,
Is nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more,
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul!

And Lord, haste the day when my faith shall be sight,
The clouds be rolled back as a scroll;
The trump shall resound, and the Lord shall descend,
“Even so”—it is well with my soul.


2 comments:

  1. Abby, this is one of my most favorite old hymns. I love the story of its creation. A favorite past time of my is to look up hymns and read the story behind them. I Come To the Garden has a lovely story as well. Praying God's blessings on your soul! And your Blog!

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  2. Dear Abby,

    I love this hymn. I grew up in a synagogue so I only know a few hymns. I love the words to this one. Wouldn't it be wonderful to look up a family member of the writer, and let them know how the words impact our lives when we hear it or sing it out?!

    I love this card you made for this. You are so talented!

    He IS Able,
    Traci S.

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