Saturday Evening
One of my favorite things to do for “devotions” is to read hymn lyrics, instead of singing them. Besides their poetic nature, I discovered hymnology to be soothing for my soul, because it provides my brain and heart with more time to digest the words. Thus, making the hymn more meaningful the next time I sing it.
Mom and I read hymns together in the hospital before falling asleep. Actually, I can remember hymnology being apart of our home-school learning many years ago. Our hymnology discussions often expanded to studying the author, composer, Biblical context, and era in which the hymn was written. The “last” hymnology lesson I had during middle school was the Lord’s Prayer and my homework was to learn the sign language to each stanza.
Below is another hymn that is worth taking the time to meditate on the lyrics. The words were written by Horatio Spafford. According to Cyber Hymnal, “This hymn was written after two major traumas in Spafford’s life. The first was the great Chicago Fire of October 1871, which ruined him financially (he had been a wealthy businessman). Shortly after, while crossing the Atlantic, all four of Spafford’s daughters died in a collision with another ship. Spafford’s wife Anna survived and sent him the now famous telegram, “Saved alone.” Several weeks later, as Spafford’s own ship passed near the spot where his daughters died, the Holy Spirit inspired these words. They speak to the eternal hope that all believers have, no matter what pain and grief befall them on earth.”
It Is Well With My Soul
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.
Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come,
Let this blest assurance control,
That Christ has regarded my helpless estate,
And hath shed His own blood for my soul.
Refrain
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,
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul!
Refrain
For me, be it Christ, be it Christ hence to live:
If Jordan above me shall roll,
No pang shall be mine, for in death as in life
Thou wilt whisper Thy peace to my soul.
Refrain
But, Lord, ‘tis for Thee, for Thy coming we wait,
The sky, not the grave, is our goal;
Oh trump of the angel! Oh voice of the Lord!
Blessèd hope, blessèd rest of my soul!
Refrain
And Lord, haste the day when my faith shall be sight,
The clouds be rolled back as a scroll;
The trump shall resound, and the Lord shall descend,
Even so, it is well with my soul.
Refrain
April 1st, 2007 at 6:12 am
Hi Katy,
It seems you are doing a bit better today?!
I have something for you that I put on my blog the other day. Please check it out. The story I wrote is about my life, but the video fits right in here sweetie. I hope you like it!!
http://heaintthroughwithmeyet.wordpress.com/2007/03/25/my-life-part-4/
I hope you enjoy it. This is one of my favorite Hymns.
Love and Blessings
Andrea
April 1st, 2007 at 11:57 am
We just sang that at my church a couple of weeks ago. I do love that hymn. And reading hymns for devotions is wonderful. I hope you are enjoying the Lord’s Day today.
April 1st, 2007 at 4:20 pm
Katy,
This is one of my absolute favorite humns. It moves me everytime I hear it sung, and it all but brings me to tears as I sing it. Knowing that no matter what the trial, God is there for me, and all is well with my soul because of Him. Hope you feel better again soon.
Love Always
Karen Tillman
April 3rd, 2007 at 12:39 pm
Katy,
My favorite hymn as well. I cannot read or sing it without tears. I don’t remember ever seeing verses 3 or 4. What beautiful words! No matter what the level or variety of suffering a person experiences, the message of that song applies. Thank you for reminding us of it. And please know that I continue to pray for you & all your family.
Trisha