Don’t worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses every thought, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:6-7 HCSB
When someone tells you not to worry, it is often easier said than done. Often times our circumstances cause us to go up and down like a roller coaster.
One of my favorite hymns is, It Is Well With My Soul. This hymn was written by Horatio Spafford and composed by Phillip Bliss and was first published in 1876. Several years ago, our music minister took a moment to tell us when and under what circumstances Horatio Spafford penned this hymn. Mr. Spafford was an attorney in Chicago who lost his four year old son in 1871. He had invested heavily in property and the great Chicago fire (also in 1871) caused financial devastation. In 1873 Mr. Spafford planned to travel with his wife and four daughters to Europe. At the last minute, he was delayed due to business. His wife and daughters sailed on ahead of him. The ship sank and his wife was the only family member who survived. As he sailed to Europe to be with his grieving wife, he penned this song. It is a beautiful song which brings peace to my heart each time I hear it. But when our music minister told this story just before we sang it, I was in awe that someone who had suffered so much had written this beautiful hymn.
So, I ask you today is it well with your soul? We get caught up in our problems, which when compared to what other people are suffering, can be trivial. Our mole hills can seem like mountains, but when we step outside of ourselves and look at those around us we may see that they have much bigger problems.
The story of Mr. Spafford reads much like the story of Job. This man lost his son, his wealth, his property and all of his daughters. Only he and his wife remained, but he was able to write a song speaking of great faith in times of trouble.
It is easy to say that a loving God would never allow such things to happen to His children, but we must understand that a loving, heavenly Father wants us to know where our help comes from. Psalm 121:1-2 says, “I lift my eyes toward the mountains. Where will my help come from? My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth.”
Our heavenly Father also wants to make us strong. Romans 5:3-4 tells us that we rejoice in our suffering because suffering produces endurance, endurance produces proven character, and proven character produces hope. So, just as we suffer through cardio training to increase our endurance and strength training to increase our strength, we must suffer trials and tribulations to strengthen our faith which brings us hope.
He also wants us to understand that our life here is temporary and short and that no suffering that we endure here can compare with the glory that awaits us and will be revealed to us in heaven (Romans 8:18)
If you read our title today and answered yes, then I hope all is well, but know that trials will come your way, but they need not steal your peace and joy. Focus on God and trust in Him to provide all you need (Matthew 6:33) including peace in troubled times. Trust in God to give you a peace that passes all understanding. Pray regularly and throughout the day, stay in constant communication with your heavenly Father. Read the Bible, this is God’s communication to us. Listen to what He has to say to you. Obey His commands.
When we focus on God and stay in close contact and communication with Him, we live in the shelter of His protection (Psalm 91:1). We can rest assured that He’s got our back. We can trust that we are protected through the eye of any storm that comes our way. We can trust that no matter what tragedy strikes, it will be well with our soul.
Have a great day!