God’s Peace Runs Deep
John 16:33 “I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”
Some heartaches do not heal with time. Some settle in like fog—thick, disorienting, and slow to lift.
Horatio Spafford knew that kind of grief.
He and his wife had built a full life in Chicago. He was a respected attorney. They were raising four daughters in a home filled with purpose, joy, and love. Church friends became extended family. Laughter came easy, and life was steady.
Until it was not.
The Great Chicago Fire tore through the city and burned up most of his investments. The financial blow was deep, but survivable. Horatio believed God would carry them through. So, when the chance came for a trip to Europe—some time to breathe, to rest—he sent his wife and girls ahead while he wrapped up business.
Then came the telegram from his wife with just two words: “Saved. Alone.”
Their ship had gone down. His daughters were gone.
When Horatio boarded a vessel to meet his wife, the captain called him to the deck as they passed over the waters where his daughters had drowned. Somehow, in that dark space, Horatio felt a deep peace.
He returned to his cabin and began to write.
When peace, like a river, attended my way,
When sorrows like sea billows roll;
Whatever my lot, Thou has taught me to say,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.
That hymn was not written by a man who had moved on. It came from a man who had met God in the storm. Maybe your storm is not loud or visible. Maybe it looks like keeping your head up at work while your heart quietly breaks, or it looks like showing up for others while wondering who sees you.
Dear one, you do not have to explain your grief for it to be real.
You only need to know this: God is not shaken by your storm. He stays steady. So, if your soul feels unsteady today, you can still say it.
Even here. Even now.
It is well.
LYRICS
When peace, like a river, attendeth my way,
When sorrows like sea billows roll;
Whatever my lot, Thou has taught me to say,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.
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 has regarded my helpless estate,
And hath shed His own blood for my soul.
My sin, oh, the bliss of this glorious thought!
My sin, not in part but the whole,
Is nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more,
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul!
Words: Horatio G. Spafford, 1873.
Tune: Ville du Havre, Philip P. Bliss
MODERN VERSION OF IT IS WELL
(C) 2015 Jesus Culture Music
