The story behind the hymn “It Is Well with My Soul” is deeply moving and rooted in personal tragedy and unwavering faith. It was written by Horatio Spafford, a successful lawyer and devout Christian living in Chicago in the 19th century.
The Backstory:
In 1871, Spafford and his wife, Anna, experienced the unimaginable: their young son died of pneumonia, and not long after, the Great Chicago Fire destroyed much of Spafford’s real estate investments. Despite these losses, Spafford continued to trust in God.
Then, in 1873, the Spaffords planned a trip to Europe. Due to business concerns, Horatio stayed behind and sent his wife and four daughters ahead on the steamship SS Ville du Havre. Tragically, the ship collided with another vessel and sank rapidly. All four of their daughters died. Only Anna survived.
When she reached Europe, Anna sent a now-famous telegram to Horatio that read: “Saved alone…”
Spafford quickly boarded a ship to join his grieving wife. As his ship passed near the spot where his daughters had died, the captain pointed it out to him. In that moment of unimaginable grief, Spafford penned the words to the hymn:
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.
The hymn has comforted generations through times of loss and suffering. It speaks to the peace that surpasses understanding—something deeply spiritual and powerful in the midst of grief.
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Horatio Spafford’s Journey of Faith
After losing his four daughters in the shipwreck, Spafford was not bitter or angry. He grieved—deeply—but his faith held strong. Instead of turning away from God, he leaned further into Him.
This part of his story is what makes “It Is Well with My Soul” so remarkable. He wrote these words not after life got better—but in the thick of pain. The kind of peace he speaks of wasn’t circumstantial—it was spiritual. It came from a relationship with Christ that went deeper than life’s suffering.
Later, the Spaffords had more children, but they also endured more sorrow—one of their sons died of scarlet fever at just four years old. Eventually, they moved to Jerusalem and dedicated their lives to humanitarian work, forming a group called the “American Colony” that helped the poor and sick of all backgrounds.
✨ A Closer Look at the Lyrics
Verse 1:
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.
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“Peace like a river” and “sorrows like sea billows” evoke the full range of life. Whether in calm or chaos, the soul can remain anchored.
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The phrase “Thou hast taught me” shows that this peace isn’t automatic—it’s learned through faith.
Verse 2:
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.
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Spafford acknowledges spiritual warfare and suffering but finds security in Christ’s sacrifice.
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“Christ hath regarded my helpless estate”—what a powerful image of God noticing us even when we feel forgotten.
Verse 3:
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
