![]() ![]() It’s a faith which centers our attention back on eternity. Spafford, even in the midst of his grief, was able to sing, “It is well with my soul”. Knowing this story, our congregation, and me personally, have found this a very helpful song and example of wonderful Christian faith in the midst of tragedy. He eventually received a telegram from his wife “saved alone”.Īs he crossed the atlantic himself, as the ship neared the place where his two daughters drowned, he penned this song. As they crossed the Atlantic, their ship was wrecked. His wife and two daughters went on and he was to catch a later ship. He and his family decided to holiday in England, but he got called away at the last minute. Spafford was a lawyer who lost most of his savings in the chicago fires. I first heard the story of Horatio Spafford when Aliki sang it in our church. I can’t think of a better song for Christians to sing when they’ve had a time of tragedy, and yet come to a place where they are finding peace in the Lord. Davidįor the purpose of reflection and respectful debate, I post the lyrics … And – who knows – down the track I may well find myself singing it both privately and within the community of faith. Have I got it wrong? Am I being too hard on myself? Am I so focused on lament, that I’ve lost sight of the hope that is there right now – and that’s what the writers are on about? Am I struggling with a lyric (ie in the choruses) that is just-too-bordering on triumphalist?īy the way – I bought the song off iTunes. Now – this is where I’d welcome your thoughts. But can I sing that right now? Could I have my congregation sing that song (with or without the Hillsong addition) this Sunday? Others might think – no problems. And if the song is about the future hope we have in Christ, well I’m in full agreement. I rest in the confidence that God never gives up on me - or any of us for that matter. ![]() I’m happy to sing something like Great is Your Faithfulness OR The Steadfast Love of the Lord OR John Bell’s We Cannot Measure How you heal at the moment, just not It is well … The scriptures day in, day out remind me of God’s steadfast love. Lots of patience and understanding (already there!) from those I love and who love me will help - along with my church family and beyond. ![]() Will things improve? I have no doubt they will. Currently, things are not well with my soul. It’s just that I feel unsettled within myself. I have a very sure sense of God’s presence, comfort and love with me. No – it’s nothing to do, as far as I’m concerned with a lack of faith. Almost a month on from the Brisbane/Queensland floods, in which we and our community were so personally embroiled, can I say “It is well with my soul”? In fact, soaring! All things considered, things were well with my soul.įast forward 18 months, and I’m not so sure I can say that. In that context and at that time, my spirit found itself singing along. The absolute highlight was a near-acapella rendition of the original version by Alison Krauss, backed by folk-country singers, The Whites. We went to the Grand Ole Opry – as you do. I recall being in Nashville in mid 2009 for a family reunion of Dale’s U.S. This is a song that has wonderful memories for me. Have a listen to the song (recording is from Hillsong, I’m sure the visuals are not, but it gives you the lyrics) … It’s just that I struggle to sing it right now. I commend Morgan, Fielding and Hillsong for what they are seeking to do with this song. This is NOT a piece of Hillsong-bagging, let me be clear! I’m in no way questioning the writers’ or Hillsongs’ intentions. I hasten to add that this is all for the purpose of raising funds for the official Queensland government flood-relief appeal. Their addition is consistent musically and theologically with the original. ![]() This version has an extra chorus (a bridge really) written by Reuben Morgan and Ben Fielding from Hillsong Church. You see, I’ve just listened to a new recording of the classic American folk hymn: It is well with my soul. ![]()
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