Songs in the night

When hurting or just plain worn out by the challenges of life, sometimes the last thing we want to do is sing. But the choice to sing to God, in truth, the very act of singing to God can lift our spirits, bring cleansing and refreshing to our souls, and encourage us to go on or hold on.  The song in itself can be a way of crying out to God, the One who we are told, “gives us songs in the night.” (Job 35:10). 

I recently read the history* of a beloved hymn, “It is well with my soul.”  The hymn was written by Horatio G. Spafford after several traumatic events in his life, the last of which was the death of his four daughters. They died while crossing the Atlanitic Ocean after the ship in which they and his wife were passengers, sank after a collision with a sea vessel. His wife survived and while travelling to meet her, as his ship passed near where his daughters died, Spafford was inspired to write the lyrics.

I pray you will find comfort and encouragement in his words (two verses and the refrain are provided below) because the same God who sustained Horatio Spafford is with you to strengthen and sustain you in these night seasons of your life.  In addition, regardless of how dismal things seem, you have His promise that it will be well with you. “Say to the righteous that it shall be well with them, for they shall eat the fruit of their doings” (Isaiah 3:10; NKJV)  

When peace, like a river, attendeth my way,
When sorrows like sea billows roll;
Whatever my lot, Thou has taught me to say,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.

Refrain:
It is well, 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.

 *(See the following link for a complete history of this hymn. http://www.biblestudycharts.com/A_Daily_Hymn.html )