by Kala Loptien

Thou Hast Taught Me

You can listen to today’s devotion by clicking the Sound Cloud link.

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.
John 14:27 English Standard Version

Have you heard the story behind the song “It is Well with my Soul”? In our women’s study recently, part of the story was shared. It was so moving that I wanted to do more research so I could continue to share it (for those who have not heard).

Horatio Spafford was no stranger to tragedy. His story seems to mirror that of Job. He was a lawyer and ran a successful business in Chicago–until the fires in 1871. That same year, he and his wife lost their youngest son to pneumonia. A few years later, God rebuilt the business, but tragedy would strike again.

Mrs. Spafford and their four daughters boarded a ship to Europe. Their dad was tending to business and would meet them later. The ship went down after a collision. Mrs. Spafford was one of few survivors. She sent a telegram to her husband with the news that all four daughters were gone. Horatio boarded a ship to meet his grieving wife. It is said the captain notified him of the place where the ship went down; and in that moment he started writing…

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’s hard to even know what to say after that. I can imagine their friends and family struggled for words. What faith. What courage. What resilience God placed within this couple. As humans, I can bet they had very hard, tearful days. But as Horatio attests, peace was made available to them; and it’s what helped them persevere. I took notice of the lyrics “thou hast taught me.” That peace is available to us. Jesus tells us so. Whatever our lot, we will always have it. We have that promise.

Copyright Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, Colorado

*Story adapted from staugustine.com