"It Is Well with My Soul"
Introduction
There are moments in life when storms rage, when pain and uncertainty threaten our peace. Yet, there is a profound declaration that echoes through the ages: "It is well with my soul." This phrase, immortalized by Horatio Spafford after personal tragedy, is not merely a hymn lyric—it is a testimony of faith that transcends circumstances.
Imagine a ship caught in a violent storm. The passengers are terrified, but one person stands on deck, calm and unshaken. When asked why, he replies, "I trust the captain." Today, we will explore how, despite life's storms, we can say with confidence, "It is well with my soul," because we trust the Captain of our salvation.
Point 1: True peace is not the absence of trouble but the presence of Christ.
One of the most vivid stories in the Bible that illustrates the foundation of peace through faith in Christ is when Jesus calms the storm on the Sea of Galilee. This account is found in Mark 4:35–41, as well as in Matthew 8:23–27 and Luke 8:22–25.
The Story
Jesus and His disciples set out across the Sea of Galilee. As they sailed, a fierce storm arose. Waves broke over the boat, and the disciples—many of whom were experienced fishermen—were terrified. Meanwhile, Jesus was asleep on a cushion in the stern. In panic, the disciples woke Him, crying, "Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?"
Jesus got up, rebuked the wind, and said to the waves, "Quiet! Be still!" Instantly, the wind died down and there was a great calm. He then asked His disciples, "Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?"
Theological Point
This story perfectly embodies the truth that peace is not the absence of trouble, but the presence of Christ. The storm raged around the disciples, but Jesus’ presence brought calm—not just to the sea, but to their hearts. The disciples’ peace was restored not when the storm ceased, but when they realized who was with them in the boat.
Illustration Connection
Just as a child sleeps peacefully knowing her parent is near, the disciples could have rested in the knowledge that Jesus—the Lord of all creation—was with them. Their fear came from focusing on the storm, rather than trusting the One who was in control.
Application
When life’s storms threaten to overwhelm you, remember who is in your boat.
True peace comes from trusting in Christ’s presence, not in the absence of trouble.
Ask yourself: In the chaos of your life, are you looking at the waves, or are you trusting the One who commands the wind and the sea?
Supporting Scripture
• John 14:27 — Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid."
• Mark 4:39–40 — "He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, 'Quiet! Be still!' Then the wind died down, and it was completely calm. He said to his disciples, 'Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?'"
When we anchor our faith in Christ, we experience a peace that surpasses understanding, even when chaos surrounds us. Ask yourself: Is your peace dependent on circumstances, or on Christ?
Point 2: Surrendering to God’s will brings freedom from anxiety.
A powerful biblical example of surrendering to God’s will is found in the story of Jesus praying in the Garden of Gethsemane, just before His arrest and crucifixion. This moment reveals the depth of Jesus’ humanity and His willingness to let go and trust the Father, even in the face of overwhelming anxiety.
The Story
After the Last Supper, Jesus took His disciples to Gethsemane. He confided in Peter, James, and John that His soul was "overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death." Moving a little farther, Jesus fell to the ground and prayed, "My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will" (Matthew 26:39).
Jesus prayed this prayer three times, each time surrendering His will to the Father’s plan. Though deeply distressed and in agony, He ultimately accepted God’s will. After praying, Jesus rose with renewed strength and peace, ready to face the cross.
Theological Point
This story perfectly illustrates that surrendering to God’s will brings freedom from anxiety. Even Jesus, in His humanity, felt the weight of fear and sorrow. Yet, through prayer and submission, He found the peace and resolve to fulfill His purpose.
Illustration Connection
Just as a person is relieved when laying down a heavy backpack, Jesus experienced relief and strength after surrendering His burden to the Father. He did not avoid the trial, but He faced it with divine peace.
Application
• When you are overwhelmed by anxiety or fear, follow Jesus’ example: bring your burdens to God in honest prayer.
• Surrender does not mean the absence of struggle, but it leads to the presence of God’s peace.
• Ask yourself: Are you holding onto anxieties you need to release? Through prayer and trust, let God’s peace guard your heart.
Supporting Scripture
• Philippians 4:6–7 — "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
• Matthew 26:39 — "My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will."
• Luke 22:44 — "And being in anguish, he prayed more earnestly, and his sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground."
True peace and strength come when we surrender our will and anxieties to God in prayer.
We are called to lay down our burdens at the feet of Jesus. What anxieties are you holding onto today? Release them in prayer, and let God’s peace guard your heart.
Point 3: God is sovereign and works all things for our good, even when we do not understand.
The Story
Joseph, beloved son of Jacob, was sold into slavery by his jealous brothers. He was taken to Egypt, where he faced false accusations and imprisonment. Despite years of hardship and apparent setbacks, Joseph remained faithful to God.
In time, God elevated Joseph to a position of great authority—second only to Pharaoh—enabling him to save Egypt and his own family from famine. When Joseph’s brothers, fearful of retribution, begged for forgiveness, Joseph responded:
"You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives." (Genesis 50:20)
Theological Point
Joseph’s story perfectly embodies the truth that God is sovereign and works all things for our good, even when we do not understand. The events of Joseph’s life seemed chaotic and unfair, yet God was weaving a beautiful tapestry behind the scenes.
Illustration Connection
Like the back of a tapestry, Joseph’s journey looked like a tangled mess of pain and confusion. But when God’s perspective was revealed, a masterpiece of redemption and purpose emerged. Joseph’s faith in God’s sovereignty allowed him to trust, forgive, and ultimately see God’s glory in his story.
Application
• When you face confusion, injustice, or pain, remember Joseph’s example: God is at work, even when you cannot see it.
• Trust that God’s perspective is greater than yours. He is weaving your story for His glory and your good.
• Ask yourself: In what areas of your life do you need to surrender control and trust God’s plan?
Supporting Scripture
• Romans 8:28 — "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."
• Genesis 50:20 — "You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives."
• Genesis 45:7 — "But God sent me ahead of you to preserve for you a remnant on earth and to save your lives by a great deliverance."
Joseph's journey is a timeless reminder: even when life feels like a tangled mess, God’s sovereign hand is creating something beautiful. Trust Him with your story.
In moments of confusion or pain, remember that God is weaving your story for His glory. Trust that His perspective is greater than ours.
Point 4: Our ultimate hope is not in this world but in the promise of eternity with Christ.
The Story
As Jesus was crucified, two criminals were also executed, one on His right and one on His left. While one mocked Jesus, the other rebuked his companion and turned to Jesus in faith, saying, "Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom." Jesus replied with a promise that echoes through the ages: "Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise" (Luke 23:42–43).
During unimaginable pain and certain death, the thief looked beyond his present suffering and placed his hope in Jesus and the promise of eternity. Despite a life of wrongdoing, his final moments were marked by faith in Christ’s eternal kingdom.
Theological Point
This story perfectly illustrates that our ultimate hope is not in this world but in the promise of eternity with Christ. Even as his earthly life ended, the thief’s faith in Jesus secured him an eternal future, demonstrating that no present circumstance can compare to the glory that awaits those who trust in Christ.
Illustration Connection
Just as a traveler endures a difficult journey knowing a beautiful home awaits, the thief endured his final, painful moments with hope, because Jesus assured him of paradise. His eyes were fixed not on his suffering, but on the unseen promise of eternal life.
Application
• When you face trials, remember the thief on the cross: hope in Christ transcends every earthly hardship.
• Fix your eyes on the unseen reality of eternity with Jesus, allowing this hope to anchor your soul and give you strength for today.
• Ask yourself: Are you letting temporary troubles overshadow the eternal glory promised in Christ? Lift your eyes to Him and find renewed courage.
Supporting Scripture
• 2 Corinthians 4:16–18 — "Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen."
• Luke 23:42–43 — "Then he said, 'Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.' Jesus answered him, 'Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.'"
The story of the thief on the cross is a profound reminder that, no matter our past or present struggles, the hope of eternity with Christ is secure for all who believe.-
When trials come, lift your eyes to the eternal hope we have in Christ. Let this hope anchor your soul and give you strength for today.
Conclusion
We began with the declaration, "It is well with my soul." Through faith in Christ, surrender, trust in God’s sovereignty, and the hope of eternity, we can truly say these words, no matter what we face.
Final Illustration:
Horatio Spafford wrote the hymn "It Is Well with My Soul" after losing his children at sea. His peace was not in the absence of pain, but in the presence of God. Like Spafford, we are invited to trust God in every season.
Call to Action: Will you accept this invitation? Will you lay down your burdens, trust God’s plan, and fix your hope on eternity? Let us respond with faith, declaring together: "It is well with my soul."
Let us pray.
