Message: “It is well with my soul” from Joe Summers

“It is Well with My Soul”** **Objective:** To understand and embrace the depth of peace and assurance portrayed in the song, "It is Well with My Soul," and to trust God's sovereign hand in every circumstance. *Scripture:** Philippians 4:7 (NIV) _"And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."_ ---**Introduction:** Brief background on Horatio Spafford, the writer of "It is Well with My Soul" and the tragic circumstances leading to its composition. Horatio Spafford was a successful lawyer and businessman in Chicago in the late 19th century. However, beneath the surface of his success lay profound personal tragedies that tested his faith and inspired one of the most beloved hymns of all time, "It is Well with My Soul." In 1871, Spafford faced his first major challenge when the Great Chicago Fire destroyed much of the city, including many of his investments. But an even deeper heartbreak was on the horizon. In 1873, intending to join evangelist Dwight L. Moody on an evangelistic campaign in England, Spafford sent his wife Anna and their four daughters ahead on the ocean liner, *SS Ville du Havre*. Tragically, the ship collided with another vessel and sank rapidly. All four of Spafford's daughters perished, and only his wife Anna survived, sending a telegram to her husband with the words, "Saved alone." Grieving the loss of his children, Spafford took a journey across the Atlantic to comfort his wife. As his ship passed near the location where his daughters had drowned, he was moved to pen the words of the hymn. The lyrics reflect deep sorrow, but also an unwavering faith in God's sovereignty and goodness. _"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."_ Horatio Spafford's story and his hymn remind us of the enduring peace that can be found in God, even amidst life's most devastating trials. **I. Peace Amidst the Storm** - **Lyrics Reference**: “When peace, like a river, attendeth my way; When sorrows like sea billows roll.” - **Scripture**: Mark 4:39 (NIV) _"He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, 'Quiet! Be still!' Then the wind died down and it was completely calm."_ - Just as Jesus had power over the literal storms, He has power over the metaphorical storms in our lives. Regardless of circumstances, we can find peace in His presence. **II. The Anchor of Our Soul** - **Lyrics Reference**: “Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say, It is well, it is well with my soul.” - **Scripture**: Hebrews 6:19 (NIV) _"We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure."_ Our hope in Christ is unshakable and serves as an anchor. No matter what life throws at us, our soul can remain grounded in Christ's promises. **III. Redemption Through Christ's Blood** - **Lyrics Reference**: “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.” - **Scripture**: Colossians 2:14 (NIV) _"He forgave us all our sins, having canceled the charge of our legal indebtedness, which stood against us and condemned us; he has taken it away, nailing it to the cross."_ - Christ's sacrifice provides complete redemption. Our sins, no matter how numerous or grievous, are forgiven. -**IV. Awaiting His Return** - **Lyrics Reference**: “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.” - **Scripture**: 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 (NIV) _"For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air."_ - We eagerly await Christ's return, knowing that it means complete reunion with Him and a final victory over death and sin. -**V. An Eternal State of Wellness** - **Lyrics Reference**: “It is well with my soul.” - **Scripture**: Revelation 21:4 (NIV) _"He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away."_ - The promise of eternity offers more than just an end to suffering; it offers an eternal state of well-being, in which we will forever proclaim, "It is well." --- **Conclusion:** Reiterate the assurance we have in Christ. Encourage everyone to delve deeper into their relationship with God, finding peace and comfort despite external circumstances. **Call to Action:** (SO WHAT) Encourage the congregation to reflect on areas of their lives where they're struggling to say, "It is well." Invite them to bring those struggles to God, allowing His peace to permeate every situation. ---

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From Series: "Sunday Service"

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