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.
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!
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.
Song Meaning
Amid sorrow and uncertainty, the singer declares that it is well with the soul because of Christ. The lyric moves from suffering and sin borne at the cross to hope in the Lord’s return.
Biblical Message
Psalm 46:1 speaks of God as refuge in trouble; Colossians 2:13–14 connects forgiveness with the cross; 1 Thessalonians 4:16 reflects hope in Christ’s return.
Reflection
The refrain gives words for faith without requiring you to deny grief. Bring both sorrow and hope to God.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main message of “It Is Well With My Soul”?
Amid sorrow and uncertainty, the singer declares that it is well with the soul because of Christ. The lyric moves from suffering and sin borne at the cross to hope in the Lord’s return.
Which Bible passages connect with the song?
Psalm 46:1 speaks of God as refuge in trouble; Colossians 2:13–14 connects forgiveness with the cross; 1 Thessalonians 4:16 reflects hope in Christ’s return.
When can this song be used in worship?
Use it for worship in grief, testimony, or reflection on the cross and future hope.