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

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

It is well (it is well)
With my soul (with my soul)
It is well, it is well with my soul

A song that has been on repeat for me the last number of weeks. A song that grows exponentially in difficulty to sing the harder life is. Yet, also offers a hope and comfort that is lost in a lot of modern contemporary worship songs.

“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”

The first verse is the hardest to sing when facing challenges in life. To turn to God in the midst of uncertainty and declare “I am content with my lot in life” is a despairingly difficult thing to do. But, this verse offers us a phenomenal perspective on faith through grief and suffering. The author hands everything over to God and in a way, says You are greater than all this. You are with me through this and You are also against my suffering.

The Author knows this because of what is written in the third verse. A verse that sounds much better sung than read.

“My sin, oh, the bliss of this glorious thought”

The author here can’t even finish his thought, he’s too excited.

“My sin, not in part but the whole,” every bit.

“Is nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more,
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, o my soul”

There is so much hope and truth in this verse. All our sin has been taken, and paid for by Jesus. His blood, his righteousness, paid the price we could not to bring peace like a river.
I implore you to take 5 minutes, follow the link and really listen to the words as you let this congregation of incredible singers (always reminds me of Ignite) raise the hairs on the back of your neck.