The year was 1873. Horatio Spafford had been a successful and wealthy Chicago lawyer. But following the tragic loss of his son and then losing most all his real estate investments in the great Chicago fire, Spafford sent his wife and four daughters on a boat trip to Europe with plans to follow them soon. But the ship crashed and all four daughters drowned. Taking another ship to join his grieving wife he penned these now famous words which have inspired millions over the last century. But notice in the third verse, why it was well with his soul. Not because his lost children had crossed to their heavenly reward, but because his sins, not in part but in whole, had been forgiven.

It Is Well With My Soul

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.

Refrain:
It is well (it is well),
with my soul (with my soul),
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.

Refrain

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!

Refrain

For me, be it Christ, be it Christ hence to live:
If Jordan above me shall roll,
No pang shall be mine, for in death as in life
Thou wilt whisper Thy peace to my soul.

Refrain

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.

Refrain