Sermonette: Oct. 12, 2020

As the world spins in increasing chaos, COVID rates rise, and a contentious election draws near, it’s hard to find peace and calm. While finding peace has always been elusive to human beings, right now it feels especially difficult.

In these times, I appreciate the honesty of others who’ve struggled to find peace. Today, my mind is on Horatio and Anna Spafford, from whom the Great Chicago Fire of 1871 took their law business, and the life of their 4-year-old son.

Two short years later, while the family sailed across the Atlantic Ocean on their way to Europe, Spaffords’ four daughters died in a shipwreck.

From this tragedy, Horatio penned a hymn in which I find so much comfort, “It is Well With My Soul.”

Here are two verses:

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.

It is well, (it is well),

With my soul, (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.