Recently, I’ve been blessed, inspired, and encouraged by the new Bethel Music album You Make Me Brave. In particular, the song “It Is Well” has been reverberating through the pulses of my heart. It’s an anointed song that God has used to speak peace and calm to the depths of my soul. Recently during my Sunday School class with my team, we talked about the song story of the hymn “It Is Well.” After devastating loss of finances, his property, and his daughters, Horatio Spafford penned the intensely beautiful lyrics of this hymn.
In the midst of his greatest loss, he still declared that Jesus was his Lord and the keeper of his heart. The hymn is a powerful declartion of the Gospel. Our hope and security is only in the blood of Jesus on the cross! He declared that death was defeated when He rose again on the third day! We have this same amazing victory because we are risen with Christ. “And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus.” Ephesians 2:6
Despite whatever “wind and waves” you are facing today, by Jesus Christ we are able to be steady. We are able to persevere. We are able to hold onto faith and not shrink back! “But we do not belong to those who shrink back and are destroyed, but to those who have faith and are saved.” Hebrews 10:39. Our souls have been purchased and redeemed by the Great High Priest Jesus Christ.
The new Bethel song says, “Through it all, my eyes are on you… through it all, it is well with me.” When Jesus called Peter to step out of the boat, he looked at the face of Jesus and had faith to do what He had asked of him. But then, he began to doubt and began to sink. What is it today that is taking your eyes off of Jesus Christ? God has been showing me that it doesn’t necessarily have to be doubt. People, circumstances, good things, and ministry can even “distract our eyes.” Will you gaze into the beautiful face of Jesus, be still, and know that He is God? Will you allow Him to calm your anxious heart? He is waiting.
Turn your eyes upon Jesus… look full in His wonderful face
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim… in the light of His glory and grace
The waves and wind still know the name of Jesus (See Matthew 8:23-27). At one word, the storm has to be calmed at the voice of Jesus. He is in control over your life and wants you to live it abundantly. Choose to focus on His face, His goodness, and His love for you today.
It is well with my soul.
Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. (Romans 12:12 NIV) // Don’t burn out; keep yourselves fueled and aflame. Be alert servants of the Master, cheerfully expectant. Don’t quit in hard times; pray all the harder. Help needy Christians; be inventive in hospitality. (Romans 12:11-13 MSG)