I remember standing up front at church with the praise team singing the words, “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.” Watching a hurting, broken church family sing those words, crying—I will never forget it. I could barely make it through the words.

I recall singing it as a child, not fully feeling the impact until that moment. How could it possibly be well with their souls? How? I watched his parents comfort his young high school friends in a strong, loving, and peaceful way that I could not fathom. How were they comforting others after losing their own child, when I could barely keep it together?

The young man’s parents had that blessed assurance that their child was not just their child, but was God’s child first. They knew when he left this earth that he was going someplace better than here. He was going to heaven to be with Jesus. They had the peace only He can give. That peace that is talked about again and again in God’s word.

Since that time as a young adult, I have watched close friends exude that same peace that I didn’t understand then: friends who have lost children, others who have lost parents, siblings, spouses, and friends-unexpectedly and after long battles with illnesses, etc.

Your question might be the same as mine was back then- How? How can it possibly be well with their souls? Friends, that peace can only be found in one place, in Jesus. We have to immerse our entire lives in Him-mind, heart, body, and soul. We have to try and follow Him in every way.

Years after first singing that song on that Sunday, I learned the story behind why it was written.

Horatio G. Spafford was a successful lawyer and businessman. He had a big, loving family-5 children and his wife. In 1871 they lost their youngest son due to pneumonia and also lost most of their business in the great Chicago fire. However, God restored their business. In 1873, Horatio’s remaining family members were traveling by ship to Europe. Horatio had to stay behind due to business, and would join them a few days later on a different ship. There was a terrible accident where the ship they were on collided with another ship. Their remaining 4 children died in the accident. His wife was found and rescued. Horatio received this telegram from his wife, “Saved alone, what shall I do?” He booked a passage on the next available ship. The captain called Mr. Spafford to his cabin and informed him they were over the place where children drowned. He then penned the famous words of It Is Well.

God used Horatio Spafford’s pain to comfort us in those words all these years later. He reminds us where our peace comes from. He reminds us that no matter what happens in this life, no matter what comes our way-it CAN be well with our souls because Jesus is with us. Will it always feel good or right? No. In fact it will feel unbearable at times. That is when we lean into Jesus the most and allow His peace and love to hold us up.

And the peace of God which transcends all understanding will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. -Philippians 4:7