The Weekly Encourager – May 26, 2015 – Peace Like a River

Have you ever been to one of those man-made water parks where you lay back in an inner-tube and float sweetly down a stream? I have; it is one of the most relaxing feelings in the world to glide along in complete safety, knowing that you'll end up in a good place, refreshed.  By contrast, have you ever been standing on the beach and surprised by a huge wave which tossed you around? I have; one time I was just standing there looking at the sea when a huge wave came upon me without any warning. I was tumbled so roughly that my whole body was submerged and rolled every which way under the water. The immense force of the wave twisted my leg and severely sprained my ankle. That sprain took years to heal. It's interesting that God brought both of these experiences to my life.

Today's hymn concerns a similar contrast. There are times when things are going smoothly with no major upsets in my life, and I can relax a bit. I praise the Lord. Then suddenly I lose a loved one, or there is conflict in a relationship, or there are problems at work, or a doctor's diagnosis brings fear and uncertainty. Where is God then? He is leading me, teaching me, loving me, comforting me with promises of Heaven. Whether I am flowing along on a river of peace, or whether I am tossed about in huge waves of grief, if Jesus is with me, it is well with my soul.

It Is Well With My Soul by Horatio G. Spafford,1873

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.

Refrain:
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.

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!

For me, be it Christ, be it Christ hence to live:
If Jordan above me shall roll,
No pang shall be mine, for in death as in life
Thou wilt whisper Thy peace to my soul.

But, Lord, ’tis for Thee, for Thy coming we wait,
The sky, not the grave, is our goal;
Oh, trump of the angel! Oh, voice of the Lord!
Blessed hope, blessed rest of 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.