It Is Well With My Soul

The Story Behind the Hymn

The lyrics were written in 1873 by Horatio Spafford, a Christian lawyer and father from Chicago. Just two years earlier, Spafford had lost his young son. Then, the Great Chicago Fire ruined him financially. Hoping for rest and healing, he planned a trip to Europe with his wife and four daughters. At the last moment, he stayed behind for business and sent his family ahead by ship.

Tragically, their vessel collided with another in the Atlantic and sank. His four daughters drowned. Only his wife survived, and she sent him a telegram with two words: “Saved alone.” As Spafford sailed to meet her, the ship passed over the spot where his daughters had died. It was there he penned the words that would become the first lines of this hymn: “When peace like a river attendeth my way, when sorrows like sea billows roll...”

What Makes It Powerful

This hymn doesn’t offer shallow comfort. It acknowledges that sorrow rolls in like waves — and yet, in the same breath, it proclaims: “It is well with my soul.” That peace isn’t found in circumstances, but in the finished work of Jesus.

One verse that reflects the strength behind this hymn is John 16:33 (NIV):

“In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

The hymn walks through suffering, sin, and even death — and in every verse, it points to Christ. “My sin, not in part but the whole, is nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more.” That’s not sentiment — that’s the gospel.

My Violin Cover

When I arranged “It Is Well with My Soul” for violin, I let the melody breathe. There’s something sacred about this one — a quiet strength. I didn’t try to overplay it or add anything fancy. Just let the notes reflect the message: calm, steady, and full of hope.

With Violin Hymns, I try to stay faithful to the heart of the song, and this one speaks for itself. Even when played without words, it carries the weight of testimony — sorrow met by faith.

Listen and Reflect

The video is below. As you listen, let the melody speak peace over whatever storm you may be facing. This hymn isn’t about avoiding pain — it’s about knowing where to stand when it comes. Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say, it is well, it is well with my soul.

Lyrics

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.

It is well 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.

It is well with my soul,

It is well, it is well with 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!

It is well with my soul,

It is well, it is well with my soul.

And Lord, haste the day when the 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.

It is well with my soul,

It is well, it is well with my soul.

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