When Sorrows like Sea Billows Roll

     Life happens. Like Charles Dickens wrote in his book A Tale of Two Cities, "It was the best of times, it was the worst of times…it was the season of light, it was the season of darkness.” Most people identify with both. I certainly can.  The worst of times takes many forms worldwide. Death of a loved one. A wayward child. Fires in northern California. A betrayal. Flooding in India. A serious illness. Terrorist arson in southern Israel. Hurricane in Hawaii. 

     For prominent Chicago attorney and hymnist Horatio Spafford the worst of times came in an 1873 telegram from his wife, Anna. Mr. Spafford had sent his family ahead and planned to join them after he finished last minute business.On November 22 tragedy struck when an iron sailing vessel plowed into their ship, the Ville du Havre in the dark of night. Two hundred and twenty-six passengers died in the waves of the Atlantic Ocean including his four daughters ranging in ages 11 to 2 years old. His wife desperately tried clinging to them until the waves tore them away. Anna survived, almost dead ,on a plank until rescuers discovered her. When she arrived in France her telegram had 6 dreadful words, “Saved alone, what shall I do?” 
     As soon as possible, he crossed over the Atlantic on another ship to meet his wife where he penned my favorite hymn, “It is Well with my Soul.” The ship’s captain pointed out the sea lane where his daughters lost their lives. Spafford wrote this beloved hymn on the sail. His first verse contains a phrase so descriptive of life’s tragedies: when sorrows like sea billows roll. He acknowledges the terrible pain of grief and loss yet makes his way to a glorious truth: “Whatever my lot, thou hast taught me to say, it is well, it is well, with my soul."

     When sorrowful billows roll, Isaiah 53:3 is a source of comfort found in our Lord Jesus. “He is a Man of Sorrows acquainted with grief.” He understands our emotions! Yet, He always offers hope and help. Psalm 55:22 tells us to “Cast your burden on the Lord and He will sustain you.” The wonderful promise is repeated in 1 Peter 5:7, “Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.”                                      
     The Spafford’s story did not end with tragedy. He and Anna were blessed with three more children. Anna's telegram “Saved alone, what shall I do?” is a testament to their later steps of hope. In 1881 they moved to Jerusalem where they established a history-making humanitarian work naming themselves The American Colony. Other Christians joined them to help Jewish, Muslim, and Christian communities. Their love and service won the admiration of all. In later years Spafford contracted malaria and is buried in Mount Zion Cemetery in Jerusalem.
     The American Colony is now a gorgeous five-star hotel in Jerusalem’s Old City.  One of the most meaningful experiences of my life took place in the American Colony Hotel in their upstairs Pasha meeting room. I was staffing a trip for Christian leaders from the US. While awaiting a briefing from our speaker, we sang “It is Well with my Soul” in the very place Spafford and his Christian community established their humanitarian work.
     The acoustics lent themselves to a beautiful rendition from our group of 18 people. The moment was unforgettable. I felt as if I was walking in history and wondered, “Are we surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses as described in Hebrews 12:1?” (Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us). A good piece of advice too!
    I hope that if you are facing a challenge or tragedy of some sort, that you will draw comfort from this timeless hymn.

#SingItIsWell