Stephanie Ludlum on suffering in light of Christ’s finished work
Why did you choose this hymn?
“It Is Well” has been a favorite hymn of mine since childhood. It’s one that I often go to in times of trial and one that resonates no matter what season I’m in. The story behind this hymn is particularly compelling. “It is well” were words spoken by Horatio Spafford in 1873 from the deck of a ship, in the middle of the night, in the middle of the Atlantic.
On his way to be reunited with his wife Anna, who had been rescued from a tragic transatlantic shipwreck that claimed the lives of their four daughters, Spafford was beckoned to his ship’s deck. The captain explained that they were sailing over the area where the Ville du Havre had sunk. As Spafford watched the “sea billows roll” over the watery grave of his little girls, God gave him the grace to say, “It is well. The will of God be done.”
Three years later, in 1876, those words and that experience—likely along with other significant loss Spafford had endured—inspired the hymn that many of us know and love. The first stanza is unforgettable:
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.”
Favorite line or stanza?
Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come,
Let this blest assurance control,
That Christ has regarded my helpless estate,
And hath shed His own blood for my soul.
What does this hymn teach about the Gospel?
As Spafford expressed so beautifully, understanding and resting in the gospel is the secret to suffering well. His inner peace in the middle of life’s turmoil was based on Christ’s finished work, not his circumstances. He understood that in his “helpless estate,” Christ had shed his blood to redeem him and win foundational peace between him and God.
Alluding to the Apostle Paul’s being “buffeted” by a thorn in the flesh (II Corinthians 12:7), Spafford proceeds to point us toward both a spiritual and practical application of verse 9 of that same chapter: “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”
How has this hymn encouraged, convicted, or comforted you?
For many years, I’ve found myself processing the highs and lows of life by sitting down at my piano, often late at night, playing my favorite hymns by ear. Especially in times of grief, “It Is Well” is often the first tune my fingers find. The words, which fit so well with the tune Ville du Havre (named after the sunken ship), have countless times brought me great peace. They point me to the greater reality that is above all current realities—that Jesus lived for me, died for me, and loves me. One day the “trump shall resound, and the Lord shall descend!” Even so, it is well with my soul.
Any final thoughts?
If you’ve known the great hymns for many years, you may, like me, find yourself singing the words mindlessly. It’s easy to miss the depth of meaning in the poetry. I encourage you to sit down from time to time and dissect the words of one of your favorite hymns.
Most hymns that have stood the test of time consist of great poetry that artfully conveys deep theology that lifts our eyes above ourselves to focus on God—who He is and what He has done. Look for the author’s thesis, which is often stated in the first stanza and/or the chorus. Contemplate the intentional progression of meaning that builds from stanza to stanza. Identify clever turns of phrases, and try to find all of the author’s allusions to specific Scripture passages. See if you can identify where and how the tune musically illustrates or magnifies the meaning of the text—especially if the tune was composed for those specific words. I guarantee that you’ll find some treasures you’ve never noticed before in some of the most familiar hymns. Perhaps best of all, you’ll find that your better understanding of the text and the music will greatly enrich your worship.
