Since the beginning of time, Godly people have suffered tragedy. When that happens, we want to know “why?” and “where was God when I needed him?” Many blessings have come out of tragedy including this beloved hymn.
On November 21, 1873, while crossing the Atlantic on the steamship Ville du Havre, their ship was struck by an iron sailing vessel and two hundred and twenty-six people lost their lives, including all four of Spafford’s daughters.
Anna Spafford survived the tragedy. Upon arriving in England, she sent a telegram to her husband beginning “Saved alone.”
Spafford then sailed to England, going over the location of his daughters’ deaths, and Spafford wrote the words to this beloved hymn at that time.
“When peace, like a river, attendeth my way, When sorrows like sea billows roll; Whatever my lot, Thou hast 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 hath 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 His 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.
It is well with my soul, It is well, it is well with my soul.”
