“When Peace Like a River,” ELW 785 and LBW 346
1 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.
2 Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come,
Let this blest assurance control,
That Christ hath regarded my helpless estate,
And hath shed His own blood for my soul.
3 He lives – oh the bliss of this glorious thought;
My sin, not in part, but the whole,
Is nailed to His cross, and I bear it no more,
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul!
4 Lord, hasten the day, when our faith shall be sight,
The clouds be rolled back as a scroll;
The trumpet shall sound and the Lord shall descend,
Even so, it is well with my soul.
Devotion
The Chicago businessman was alarmed. His wife was very ill. She was indeed quite sick. Since their last setback, she has not been the same. When the fire took nearly all of their holdings, she simply descended into despair and did not return. Out of love for his wife, this young businessman placed her and their four daughters aboard a ship bound for Europe for rest and renewal.
On Nov. 21, 1873, just days after leaving port, the SS Ville du Havre, carrying everything this young businessman held dear in life, collided with another ship. Twelve minutes later, the ship lay on the ocean floor, along with his daughters. His wife was one of the few survivors.
On Dec. 1, 1873, en route to his wife in Europe, this bereaved father gave testimony to his faith in God’s divine will for us all. His name was Horatio Spafford, and he wrote these words.
Prayer
Lord, I pray you would lead me to trust you like your servant, Horatio Spafford. Thank you for the testimony of his faith. Amen.