The Heartbreaking Story Behind 'It is Well'

As we go through life we often find it can be challenging and unpredictable. But during our times of trial we can look at them in a couple of ways:

1) This is impossible... It is too hard... I want to give up.

-OR-

2) I will cast my worries to the one who created me and I know He will provide.

Horatio Spafford knew of this all too well. He experienced tragedies in his lifetime that could truly break a person. But his faith brought him great peace.

So who is Horatio Spafford?

Horatio Spafford was a very successful attorney and real estate investor who lost his fortune in the Great Chicago Fire in 1871. Around that same time, he lost his four year old son to scarlet fever.

Thinking his family could use a vacation, Horatio Spafford arranged for a trip to England with his wife and four daughters. He sent his wife and daughters on a ship ahead of him, planning to join them after dealing with business stateside. While crossing the Atlantic Ocean, the ship was involved in a terrible collision and sunk. Over 200 lives were lost that day, including the lives of Horatio's four daughters. His wife survived and upon arriving to England she sent a telegram to her husband that began, "Saved alone. What shall I do?"

Horatio immediately set sail for England. At one point in the voyage, the Captain sent out for Horatio to tell him that they were crossing over the spot where the ship had gone down. In that moment, Horatio thought about his daughters. Words of comfort and great hope filled his heart and his mind. He wrote them down and since then, they have become a well known hymn:

"When peace like a river, attendeth my way,

When sorrows like sea billows roll-

Whatever my lot, thou hast taught me to know

It is well, it is well with my soul."

In times of doubt and hardships, I often think on the tragedies that had befallen the Spafford family. I think of my loving God and put my trust in him and I know in that moment that with his divine help, I will get through this season of hardship.

I can confidently say, it is well with my soul.

Enjoy the cover of this song by Anthem Lights below.

I do not own the rights to this song.