Story Time

         Is it Well With My Soul?

     Dusk is a beautiful time of day, especially during the winter season in Manitoba. We watch the  pastels of sunset above the snowscaped horizon miraculously meld into a star spangled night. These panoramic displays are beautiful beyond description. 

     As another day draws to a close, quietness and rest settle over the land. Our all-wise Father in Heaven created night and day for a good reason. 

     A fair night’s rest is one of the tickets to better health and happiness, of which we’ve all learned from experience. These quieter, nightly hours also become a prime time to collect our thoughts. 

     This evening, a well known hymn comes to mind and, after some research, I find it has been in circulation for 148 years. The song, It is Well With My Soul, appears in most hymn books in a wide variety of Christian fellowships. It was written by Horatio G. Spafford in the mid 1800’s. Already, the familiar phrases are likely flitting through your mind. 

“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.”

     These lines suggest life will throw us some curve balls some way or another. We may as well accept this fact and let the assurance of God’s grace and love flood over our souls to comfort and sustain us through any trials that buffet. 

     “Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.” John 14:1,2

     The Bible assures us that God cares for each person; He knows who we are and where we are. Each sunset is a message of His love to mankind and, ultimately, He has built mansions in Heaven for the faithful when life is over. This assurance of peace can flood our souls and attend our way. 

     As we reflect at the close of each day, let’s allow this question to help keep our life in perspective, “Is it well with my soul?” The answer and assurances are just a prayer away.