Today’s scripture: And the peace of God which surpasses all understanding, shall keep your hearts, your minds through Christ Jesus. – Philippians 4:7
As you read, consider: What might God be saying to me? Summarize your thoughts in a sentence or two.
Story and Video (Compiled by David Zier):
Horatio G. Spafford wrote the song “It is Well.” This is the story behind the song. This information was consolidated from various websites on the world wide web.
Haratio lived in Chicago with his family, wife Anna and five children. He was a successful lawyer. Horatio’s young son died with pneumonia in 1871. The family also lost much in the great Chicago fire that same year.
The French ocean liner, Ville du Havre, was crossing the Atlantic from the U.S. to Europe with 313 passengers on board in 1873. Among the passengers were Horatio’s wife and children. Horatio would join the family in Europe when business was taken care of.
Four days into the crossing of the Atlantic, the Ville du Harve collided with a powerful, iron-hulled Scottish ship, the Loch Earn. Within approximately 12 minutes, the Ville du Harve slipped beneath the dark waters of the Atlantic, carrying with it 226 of the passengers including the children.
A sailor, rowing a small boat over the spot where the ship went down, spotted a woman floating on a piece of the wreckage. It was Anna, still alive.
Horatio booked passage on the next available ship and left to join his grieving wife. With the ship about four days out, the captain told him they were over the place where his children went down. Horatio Spafford wrote “It Is Well With My Soul” while on this journey.
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.
Chorus:
It is well with my soul, It is well, it is well with my soul
Listen to the words – watch the video.
Thought for The Day: It is well with my soul. As we go through the tough times of life, and we will, it is not easy. It is not just knowing in our heads that Faith can save us, but cultivating it deep in our heart. Build that relationship with Christ. As we pray, as we grow in our faith, and as we strengthen our relationship with God, that feeling of “well” in our soul will grow deeper.
We encourage you to include a time of prayer with this reading. If you need a place to get started, consider the guidelines on the How to Pray page.