Scripture: “Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the LORD delivereth him out of them all.” – Psalm 34:19
Examination of song: Horatio Spafford was well acquainted with suffering. After losing his first son from scarlet fever at the age of four, he lost his fortune in real estate when fire swept through Chicago in 1871. A few years later, his four daughters perished in a maritime disaster. En route to join his wife, the ship’s captain informed Spafford when they were over the site where his family’s ship had gone down. Unable to sleep that night, Spafford retreated to his stateroom and reportedly said to himself, “It is well; the will of God be done.” These words became the foundation of Spafford’s well-known hymn.
Application: Recently, I’ve had a family member experience numerous challenges in her life. While they were not on the same scale as the losses that Spafford faced, they were, nevertheless, very difficult to navigate, especially when occurring in such rapid succession. While there were many tears and sleepless nights, she held on to her faith, and slowly emerged from this chapter of her life knowing that God is truly faithful to His Word, and His plan for her life will come to fruition regardless of circumstances.
The same is true for anyone whose faith is in Christ. As children of God, we can be sure that God will take care of us and continue to be in control of all things. If struggles come our way, God will use them to grow our faith and draw us closer to Him. When we are overwhelmed and feel as though the sun will never shine again, we much cling to the truth of His Word, which tells us, “And call upon me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify me.” (Psalm 50:15).
An important thing to remember is that God’s timing is not our own. He always has a reason for allowing tribulations to continue, and while it may be difficult to endure through these hard times, we can hope in Psalm 91:14-15, which records God’s words, “Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known my name. He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him.” We must remember that our responsibility is to trust Him to lead us through any situation no matter how difficult, and when we do that, we can truthfully say, “It is well with my soul.”
Memory Verse: “I sought the LORD, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears.” – Psalm 34:4
Stretching your thoughts:
1. In what situations did you feel hopeless, but God delivered?
2. What would you say to someone losing hope as they go through a hard time?
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
It is well (it is well), with my soul (with my soul)
It is well, it is well with my soul
(from “It is Well With My Soul” by Horatio Spafford)