“It is said that the darkest hour of the night comes just before the dawn.”― Thomas Fuller

I have noticed in my personal community of friends and family a sense of disparity in regards to the state of this country and the world in general. Indeed, my recent post “Peace Be Still” is an outpouring of that same sentiment.  Even so, God has lead me to remember to trust in Him, even when it seems that we are forever surrounded by darkness.  As every event in our lives, good and bad, is first sifted through His fingers, we must try hard to remember He is sovereign in all things.  None of the difficulties in the world should really come as a surprise, as the “god of this world” is on a rampage as he knows his time is short.   In thinking through this, I remembered a story I heard years ago regarding the origin of my favourite hymn.  You may have heard it already, but it is so poignant it is worth repeating.   Please read the lyrics and watch the story below…and remember, Jesus promises, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33  Amen and Amen!

 It is Well With My Soul – written by Horatio G. Spafford, 1873

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.
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.

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!

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.