Message and Meaning, Sea Billows, and the Rhythm of Your Breathing

Hey Friend,

There’s a hymn I’m sure you’re familiar with that sits atop the classic list of hymnal popularity—It Is Well With My Soul. 

Penned by hymnist Horatio Spafford and composed by composer and conductor Philip Bliss, It Is Well is a time-honored composition not just for its moving melody and compelling arrangement, but because of the richness of story behind its painfully meaningful lyrics.

With our soul work theme this month being centered on peace, it felt important and fitting to incorporate Spafford’s story into the work of this week’s Pause.

So, for the next few moments, might we invite you to sink into this present moment? And might we invite you to lean into the depth, insight, and impact of such an extraordinary lived experience?

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In the 1870’s, Horatio Spafford—a lawyer, property investor, husband, and father—found himself on top of the world. He was healthy, wealthy, accomplished, and had achieved everything societal standards deemed successful. But the Chicago Fire of 1871 changed all that when it caused him sudden financial ruin, also setting into motion a disastrous economic downturn.

In 1873, as a way to seek a few days of reprieve from the hardships of misfortune, Spafford organized a family trip to England. But when departure day arrived, business dealings kept Spafford from being able to depart with his family, and they were sent on ahead of him with the promise he would soon join them in England. A few days following their departure, however, Horatio received news that the ship carrying his family had been in a devastating collision, killing all four of his daughters.

As Spafford traveled to England to be with his grieving wife, crossing over the very place where his daughters died, his aching heart wrote the following words:

“… when sorrows like sea billows roll; whatever my lot, Thou has taught me to say, it is well, with my soul.”

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The story of this hymn is heavy, absolutely. But the opportunity for message and meaning is what today’s intermission is all about.

As you sit with the following prompts, while also allowing Horatio’s life and story to mull over in your heart, mind, and soul, consider your own current circumstances, and ask God, “Is it well with my soul?”

-With Joy

^{P.S In light of the lyrics “sea billows”, use this month’s art-offering as a stunning visual rep. It’s super cool when the message of something parallels beautifully with something else not necessarily intended, but every bit orchestrated.}

Pause for Practice

“It is Well With My Soul”

“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.”

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

Thou 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.

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

And Lord haste the day when the 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.”

• ^{Story: This YouTube compilation was recorded under Covid lockdown measures using cell phones from each professional singer’s home. The arranger, David Wise, wanted to create a beacon of hope for millions of people around the world who were isolated and confined to their homes.}

• ^{Source: It Is Well with My Soul, by Ten Two Six Music Group, arranged by David Wise, featuring The Nashville Studio Singer Community.}

Pause for Prayer

Pause for Reflection

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• Click here for previous month’s art offerings

P.S. Sometimes peace is closer than you think ;)