The Story Behind “It is Well with my Soul”

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Psa. 46:1-2 “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea.”

Horatio Spafford was a godly man living with his family in Chicago. He was a friend of D.L Moody, one of the great evangelists of his time. In 1870, his only son contracted Scarlet Fever and sadly, died. The next year, 1871, Spafford was ruined financially when the Great Chicago Fire wiped out the properties he had invested in. But he pressed on and in 1873 he decided to travel to Europe with his family to help Moody with some of his evangelical outreaches that were taking place in London and other cities. But Spafford was delayed with business so he sent his wife and 4 daughters on ahead of him.

While crossing the Atlantic, their ship sank rapidly after a collision with a sea vessel, the Loch Earn, and all four of Spafford’s daughters died. His wife Anna survived and sent him the now famous telegram, “Saved alone …”. Shortly afterward, as Spafford traveled to meet his grieving wife, he was inspired to write the words of one of the greatest hymns in Church history as his ship passed near where his daughters had died.

Look up most “top ten hymns of all time” lists and it will be there. “IT IS WELL WITH MY SOUL” – It is a hymn of tremendous hope and courage in the midst of the darkest night.