“It is well with my soul.” c.1873, Horatio Spafford penned these
well-known hymn lyrics, allowing us unparalleled insight into the “Joy of the
Lord.”
True Joy from the Lord isn’t based on circumstances, things that
are happening around you. Rather, it’s the confidence that God has your back,
no matter how bleak the current situation appears.
Remember that our God is a rock, an anchor, the cornerstone,
unchanging, the same yesterday, today and tomorrow. He’s a God of substance,
not circumstance. The same God who adopted you into his Holy family is there
for you forever – in spite of how your current situation appears.
Spafford’s four daughters had been lost at sea in a tragic
accident. Only his wife survived. As his ship crossed the same piece of water,
he wrote, “It is well with my soul.” Instead of mourning the loss of his
children, he rejoiced at the fact that they were now with Jesus. He rejoiced
with thanksgiving that his wife had been spared. No matter what went wrong here
on earth, he and God were still OK. He was filled with the Joy of the Lord, no
matter the circumstances.
Spafford and his wife went on to have three more children, and
later founded the “American Colony” in Israel, to help the poor. See, God is
still in charge, still on the throne. God is good, all the time, in all things.
Most of us stand before a mirror when getting dressed for the day,
wanting to look our best. Unfortunately, what we see won’t last. What is
eternal is our soul, our nephesh - and our spirit, ruah.
Is it well with your soul?
Norton Lawellin
This Sunday
I’ll be leading worship at Jesus in the City – the old location – lower level
of Trinity First, 1115 E. 19th St., Mpls., 11am, and Pastor Daisy
Rader continues our journey through Galatians.
We can’t wait
for July 29 – that’s the day that Jesus in the City Sunday worship moves to the
Oliver Ministry Center, 27th Street & Bloomington Avenue. Note the new
service time: 10:30am. Prayers covering this transition and move would be
appreciated.
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