[ it is well ]

I was greatly spoken to by an old hymn this week.  Sunday, at church, accompanied by the story of a dying man, I found myself near tears upon the words of “It Is Well.”  Please take a second to scan the lyrics:

“When peace like a river attendeth my way
When sorrows like sea billows roll
Whatever my lot Thou hast taught me to say
Even so, it is well with my soul

CHORUS:
It is well with my soul
It is well, it is well with 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

Whatever my lot Thou hast taught me to say
Even so, it is well with my soul”

When I analyzed each piece of it [even though I've sung it a billion times since I was born] , God spoke to me in so many ways.  Though it’s phrased like my King James, the words “when sorrows like sea billows roll…” were something we can all attest to.   There are times when it’s not just like rain pounding on our head, it’s like giant waves crashing down on us, seeking to drown.  It’s reminding me that in peace or in torment, I am to say “even so, it is well with my soul.”  Now, the tough part is….is that true?  I can say it all day long, and have everyone be proud of me…and la la la…on it goes.  But is it TRULY well with my soul?  Am I truly free of all chains, and have I truly given over ALL suffering in exchange for an almighty peace?

The other bit that spoke wonders to my heart–actually the part that nearly made me cry–was “..Lord haste the day when my faith shall be sight…”  and it goes on to describe the details of seeing heaven and prophesy happening before my very eyes.  In combination with the notes and strength of the music, those words could bring me to my knees.  Philippians 2:9-11 speak the famous words that “at the name of Jesus, every knee will bow [in heaven and on earth and under the earth]…” which is exactly how I feel at this song.  It’s not even my choice.  My legs buckle in awe and brokenness at something so magnificent as JUST the THOUGHT of it all.  I can not begin to imagine how many millions of times moreso when it actually occurs.  People wonder if they’ll get to see Revelations fulfilled or if it won’t happen in their lifetime.  According to this, we will ALL see it….whether in heaven, or earth, or those souls that chose to renouce Jesus and are living in the lake of fire. 

I don’t know about you, but I sure hope I get a good seat.