Why It Is Well with My Soul
(Even When the World is Messy)
Few of us imagined a month ago what the world would look like today.
A pestilence too small for the eye to see, too small to view even with a microscope, has brought chaos to every nation on the planet. What we thought would be a minor disruption, has turned our world upside down.
Employment and finances and school and our state of health suddenly feel precarious, and we can’t gather with the ones we love to hug it out and reassure each other, shoulder to shoulder and face to face, that it will all be okay.
How can we continue to proclaim, “It is well with my soul,” when the whole world is counting the number of cases, and fearing the worst?
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
—John 16:33
These are indeed troubling circumstances we face. Evidence tells us this pandemic is real, it is on the rise in this country, and we are right to be diligent about social distancing, and to stay home as much as possible.
Our Christian faith, and God’s Holy Word, the Bible, also tell us something vitally important about the nature of our Savior:
“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.”
—Hebrews 13:8
Our faith is not built upon shifting sand; our Creator God is, and was, and always will be. No storm, no earthquake, no economic shift, and no disease can separate us from God’s loving presence.
God is so good, and no matter what the hour, the day, or our life circumstances, we can say it is well with our souls, because of the saving grace of Jesus Christ. The challenges we face ebb and flow, but God’s goodness never changes, and this is Good News!
“Yes, my soul, find rest in God; my hope comes from him.”
—Psalm 62:5
The world around us is chaotic, riddled with troubles, and often disappointing. And yet...we don’t have to fall into despair! Our hope comes from the Lord, and with His unfailing love, and the hope of a future alongside Him in Heaven, we can live in tranquility — even now.
It Is Well with My Soul
Original lyrics by Horatio Spafford
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
You might enjoy this modern take on the classic hymn:
