Staying afloat: It is well with my soul

I have recently endured several years of difficult life adjustments. I noticed an improvement in both my mood and outlook when I started referring to this time of my life as an “uncomfortable growth period.” I have observed substantial improvements, if not always in my circumstances, then certainly in my faith and attitude toward my trials.

I experienced one of many bright rays of light and comfort in church last month. Our organist shared the history of the hymn “It is Well with My Soul” by Horatio G. Spafford (1828-1888). Spafford was a dedicated Presbyterian, father, and successful businessman and lawyer. He experienced consecutive tragedies beginning with the death of his son from Scarlet Fever. Then he lost his fortune in the Chicago Fire of 1871.

In 1873, Spafford had planned to take his family to Europe for a trip and was delayed by some last-minute business concerns. He sent his wife and four young daughters ahead and planned to join them a few days later. On November 22, their ship collided with another vessel during the crossing and sank in 12 minutes, with over 200 casualties, including all his remaining children. When his wife arrived in Wales, she sent a telegram: “Saved alone. What shall I do?”

In the wake of this devastsation, Spafford embarked for England to join his wife. During the crossing, the captain was familiar with Spafford’s situation and invited him to the deck when they neared the area of the accident. As he looked over the sea and mourned his daughters, Spafford was overcome with comfort and hope as he reflected on Christ. Spafford’s reflections became the lyrics 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.…

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.

As I listened to the story and sang the verses, I also felt the “peace that passeth understanding” (Philippians 4:7) fill my soul. This is the Balm in Gilead. This is the hope that faith brings– not that I won’t face more heartache or that I will get everything right, but that there is comfort and joy amid sorrow. Growth comes from difficulty.

Since that time, I have experienced waves of scripture come to mind bringing peace. It appears “the whole earth is in commotion” (Doctrine and Covenants 45:26) and when I worry that we may sink into despair, I cling to this peace like a life ring. I try to hold on to what I know is true, just, and good.

Christ promised his disciples, “I will not leave you comfortless.” “The Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid” (John 14:18, 26-27).

The Spirit testifies of truth. I can have more access to the spirit as I increase my awareness of the thoughts and actions that increase my fear and anger and turn toward the light. Christ promises his spirit as we repent. When I return to Him, to His path, and take the next step forward in faith, I am strengthened, comforted, and hopeful.

The prophet Helaman taught his sons that “[Christ] hat power given unto him from the Father to redeem them from their sins because of repentance; therefore he hat sent his angel to declare the tiding of the conditions of repentance, which bringeth unto the power of the Redeemer, unto the salvation of their souls. And now my sons, remember, remember that it is upon the rock of our Redeemer, who is Christ, the Son of God that ye must build your foundation; that when the devil shall send forth his mighty winds, yea his shafts in the whirlwind, year, when all his hail and his might storm shall beat upon you, it shall have no power over you to drag you down to the gulf of misery and endless wo, because of the rock upon which ye are built, which is a sure foundation, a foundation whereon if men build they cannot fall” (Helaman 5:11-12).

When experiencing discomfort, distress, and fear, remember moments of faith and turn to the light. “Peace like a river” can flow, and we can all seek to buoy each other up. Like Spafford, we can receive comfort in anticipation of the day when “faith becomes sight.” Until then, “it is well, it is well with my soul.”

Amity Scoville Condie is celebrating the return of the light, enjoys napping in the sun, and is a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.