Song of the Day
“It Is Well with My Soul” by Hillsong
Scripture to reflect upon
- Ps 18:1-2 (ESV)
- Ps 34:17-19,
- Phil 4:6-7,
- Matt 11:28-29,
- Isa 26:3,
- Titus 2:13,
- Ps 46:1,
Devotional thought
This old Hymn was birthed from a man (Horatio G. Spafford) who endured great pain at the loss of his four daughters (not to mention his son years earlier). He and his family were scheduled to go to Europe together, but when an urgent matter kept him in New York, he sent them off on the ship by themselves. The ship collided with an iron vessel on November 22, 1873, and in a matter of 2 hours had sunk into the depths of the sea, claiming the lives of all of his daughters and almost claiming his wife as well. She was found clinging onto a piece of wreckage, just shy of being unconscious. When she got the shores of Wales, she cabled her husband these words, “Saved alone”.
As Horatio went by ship to meet his bride, the captain called him privately up to the cabin and told him he believes they were passing over the very spot that the ship sank. At that moment he went into his cabin and said to himself, “It is well; the will of God be done.”
This story reminds me of Job’s words when he said, “The Lord gives and the Lord takes away, blessed be the Name of the Lord.” (Job 1:21(b)). I am so inspired (and truthfully convicted) at the response to crisis I see with this story.
Throughout the day, I can allow the pettiest things to knock me off course, to rob my peace, and to cause anxiety in my spirit. Things that are inconsequential in the scope of eternity, and so temporal, can become the focus of all of my attention and determine my mood, level of peace, and overall mindset. I am embarrassed to admit that, but I am just being transparent with you.
So, what is the key to stopping this from happening? Faith. I truly believe that our lack of peace in times of trials comes from our fundamental belief, or really unbelief, in God and His plan. As we seen in both Job and Horatio’s experience, both losing just about everything they had in horrible circumstances, they were able to respond with an unwavering trust that God’s ways are good and right. They were able to declare with absolute certainty that the Lord’s will is best and they will accept His purpose.
I am challenged to respond to trials the same way these men, and so many others, have done.. To declare that It is well no matter what comes. To keep my trust in the Lord’s Sovereign plan. I love the 2nd verse of Ps 18 that declares that the Lord is my Rock, my refuge, my stronghold! Also, Ps 46:1 which says, “God is our strong refuge; he is truly our helper in times of trouble.”
So, yes we can say, “It is Well with My Soul” when we face various trials, because our soul finds its comfort and peace in the Rock of our salvation, Jesus Christ. He invites us all to come to Him and find rest for our souls when the burdens of life overwhelm us. It is my encouragement today for all of us to accept that invitation and remain in perfect peace as we trust in His Sovereign purposes to be fulfilled in our lives.
Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father, I praise You for being the God of peace. I admit Lord that I do not handle trails as I should, and I become way too focused on things that rob me of the peace You offer me in Your Name. Please help me to overcome this tendency and to remain faithful to You, even in the midst of trials. Thank You for never leaving me and always being the God of comfort in all of my troubles. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
