Yesterday evening I gave a comment to Sue Nash ’s Blog (one of my favorite and inspiration blog), I give a comment about one of my favorite hymns song called “It is Well With My Soul” composed by Horatio Gates Spafford (1828-1888) and Philip Paul Bliss (1838-1876). I really like this song because I know the background of it very well. Here’s the short story behind it song.
Horatio Spafford (1828-1888) was a wealthy Chicago lawyer with a thriving legal practice, a beautiful home, a wife, four daughters and a son. He was also a devout Christian and faithful student of the Scriptures. His circle of friends included Dwight L. Moody, Ira Sankey and various other well-known Christians of the day.
At the very height of his financial and professional success, Horatio and his wife Anna suffered the tragic loss of their young son. Shortly thereafter on October 8, 1871, the Great Chicago Fire destroyed almost every real estate investment that Spafford had.
In 1873, Spafford scheduled a boat trip to Europe in order to give his wife and daughters a much needed vacation and time to recover from the tragedy. He also went to join Moody and Sankey on an evangelistic campaign in England. Spafford sent his wife and daughters ahead of him while he remained in Chicago to take care of some unexpected last minute business. Several days later he received notice that his family’s ship had encountered a collision. All four of his daughters drowned; only his wife had survived.
With a heavy heart, Spafford boarded a boat that would take him to his grieving Anna in England. It was on this trip that he penned those now famous words, When sorrow like sea billows roll; it is well, it is well with my soul. Philip Bliss (1838-1876), composer of many songs including Hold the Fort, Let the Lower Lights be Burning, and Jesus Loves Even Me, was so impressed with Spafford’s life and the words of his hymn that he composed a beautiful piece of music to accompany the lyrics. The song was published by Bliss and Sankey, in 1876.
For more than a century, the tragic story of one man has given hope to countless thousands who have lifted their voices to sing; 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.
It is well, with my soul,
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!
For me, be it Christ, be it Christ hence to live:
If Jordan above me shall roll,
No pang shall be mine, for in death as in life
Thou wilt whisper Thy peace to my soul.
But, Lord, ’tis for Thee, for Thy coming we wait,
The sky, not the grave, is our goal;
Oh, trump of the angel! Oh, voice of the Lord!
Blessed hope, blessed rest of 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.
It is Well with My Soul by “Together for the Gospel Live” from Sovereign Grace Music.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AHe_qmo3gX4
Story source: sharefaith.com
Photo credit: glazedfromtheheart.blogspot.com
Karina
Reblogged this on Through the Eyes of This Calvinist.
Amen! 🙂 I is well with my soul…
What an inspiring story!
🙂 yes it is very inspiring.
I love this story. Just yesterday I was listening to a preaching about this mans story and how his life inspired this song. Thank you for sharing Karina
You are welcome Dena. Have a blessed sunday 🙂
Beautiful!
Amen! 🙂
This is one of my favorite hymns, also. It is good to be able to say, “It is well with my soul.”
Amen! Thank you for stopping by and thank you for your lovely comment 🙂 blessing!
Karina
Check my revised Award Announcement on http://www.darylgstewart.WordPress.com for the announcement of your award. Congradulations!
Good evening Mr. Daryl
Thank you so much for your kindness for this nomination. I am so honored and really appreciate it. But I would like to tell you that since I launch this blog I has been decided to not involve in any nomination. I hope you could understand about my decision and not feel disappointed. Doesn’t mean I am not appreciate your kindness. Once again thank you so much for your kindness 🙂
Regards
Karina
as you wish! Peace unto you!
I love the story behind this wonderful song, Karina. Thanks for posting it for all to read. It makes the song even more amazing. And you are TOO SWEET to post a mention to my site. Blessings on your day, even though right now it is probably night in Singapore!
Hi sis Sue
Thank you so much for your comment. Yes the story behind this song is so beautiful and inspiring me so much. 🙂 You are absolutely right. Now 9.00 Pm here.
Ok. So about 12 hours different from my time zone. Blessings on your evening!
Yes sis! Around 12 hours. By the way you live in which part of US?
Mississippi.
Good morning sis Sue
Ooow ok.Mississippi. hopefully I could go there someday 🙂
Don’t come in the summer. Way too hot!
Sis may I know your email? There is something that I want to ask. Thank you 🙂