Covenant College

There is an old hymn that I like but every time I sing the chorus, it sends a little shudder down my spine. The hymn, “When Peace Like a River” was born out of tragedy and yet heralds one of the most amazing testaments in Christian hymnody. Horatio Spafford, after a series of tragedies, also lost his four daughters at sea in a shipping accident. While sailing across the Atlantic, he wrote this hymn near the area where his daughters died. For me, as a father who loves his daughters dearly, this story has always resonated strongly. However, it is the chorus I want to highlight.

The first verse and chorus declare:

When peace, like a river, attendeth my way,
When sorrows like sea billows roll;
Whatever my lot, Thou has taught me to say,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.
Refrain
It is well, with my soul,
It is well, with my soul,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.

My question: How could Spafford declare that sentiment in the chorus with such confidence?

The confidence comes entirely from the events we celebrate at Easter. Christ’s death and resurrection is the key, the certainty and guarantee that there is also a sin free, eternal life for the believer.

Pauls declares in 1 Corinthians 15: 20 But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who have fallen asleep. 21 For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man. 22 For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive.

Later Paul also writes: 56 The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. 57 But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Easter is a reminder of the confidence we can have – not in ourselves, but in Christ. This Easter I hope you can sing, “It is well with my soul” not with any arrogance, but with the sure knowledge of the power and effectiveness of all that Jesus has done for His children.

Pieter Stok