He has redeemed my soul in peace from the battle [that was] against me, For there were many against me.
[Psa 55:18 NKJV]
Quite frequently lately I wake with a song in my head. This morning I woke with the song “It is Well with My Soul” in my head. I started thinking more deeply about the song and how it came to be.
It is Well with My Soul came about through a tragedy in the life of a man who had everything and then lost it all through a series of events. The man and his wife were the only survivors. [GodUpdates, Hymn] The couple faced both tragedy and triumph as they continued through life. In a way it makes me think of the story of Job – God allowed him to lose everything to prove to the devil this man’s devotion to God. [Job 1:12]
Whenever we would sing this song in church my heart would always break. I never really understood why, other than knowing that Christ is always with us no matter what. Now that I know the story behind the song, I believe my spirit was reacting to the why behind the song. The depth of sadness in it, yet, the goodness of God throughout.
No matter our circumstances, God never leaves us to go it alone. I think of all those who have lost so much in this last year – through no fault of their own – but rather through the evil of people who want to have everything and control everyone. Sadly, not all who have lost so much have the strength of God with them. Even those who do have struggled – I know.
We are tasked to always trust God. We trust Him with our family. We trust Him with our jobs. We trust Him with our health. When He chooses to make a change in our lives we need to be able to look to Him and say “Ok, Lord, thy will be done. Guide us in our next steps.”
Teach me to do Your will, For You [are] my God; Your Spirit [is] good. Lead me in the land of uprightness.
[Psa 143:10 NKJV]
God’s will may not always be the easy way, in fact, it is rarely easy since God wants us to rely on Him. However, we can always be certain that, no matter what we face, God is our strength and we will get through. We will be stronger on the other side.
Bear with me a little, and I will show you That [there are] yet words to speak on God’s behalf. I will fetch my knowledge from afar; I will ascribe righteousness to my Maker. For truly my words [are] not false; One who is perfect in knowledge [is] with you. Behold, God [is] mighty, but despises [no one]; [He is] mighty in strength of understanding. He does not preserve the life of the wicked, But gives justice to the oppressed.
[Job 36:2-6 NKJV]
| The Isaacs |
| “It Is Well With My Soul” | Live at the Grand Ole Opry |
| Hugh Bonneville Christmas Concert Narration |
| It is Well with My Soul |
| Fountainview Academy |
| It is Well | Help in Daily Living |
