Friday, July 13, 2012

It is well.



I made these canvases several weeks ago to go over my fireplace.
I had seen similar prints all over pinterest and thought it would be good to have a a visual reminder in our home of trusting and resting in God. 

 I don't think I knew how good it would be.
Over the last couple of days, I've really been mulling over those words and what they mean.

It is well, with my soul.

I looked into the history of that famous hymn. And it turns out that the man who wrote it did so in the midst of tragedy and immense pain in his life. 
{See for yourself...}


I've been thinking a lot about how those words don't mean I have a feeling of easiness and joy about the rough patches of my life. What they do mean, I'm finding, is that I recognize that my heart- the innermost part of who I am...is in want of nothing; at the deepest level I have been fully provided for.
Even when I'm really hurting.


My favorite verse echoes this...
"I say to myself, 'The Lord is my portion, therefore I have hope in him.'" Lamentations 3:24



Life happens. Sometimes its really wonderful and full of gladness. Other times, there's a lot of hurt and pain and confusion. I'm learning more and more each day that loving Jesus doesn't mean the latter parts of life just go away. 
Instead, I'm finding that he steadies my heart in those times of pain and confusion.


So, I'm finding that I really love that sweet hymn. And what it reminds me about my hope in Jesus.
In every season of life, the easy ones and the hard ones...
he is still God. And it is still well.


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.


8 comments:

Kristen McG said...

Oh friend... this is right where my heart has been this month. It's been a HARD month for me.. lots of heartache.. and I've been forced to evaluate: am I going to rocked by my circumstances or am I going to hold fast to truth?
Thank you for your encouragement through this post! Praying for you as you allow the Lord to be your portion! :)

Emily grapes said...

This has always been one of my favorites, and one I remember so well singing from childhood.

beautiful post, friend. :)
Emily at Amazing Grapes

laureneshepherd said...

Love you, so, so much! Can't wait to be together again soon some day, friend! Praying for you everyday.

Allison said...

So well said! I remember learning about the meaning behind the song and loving it even more and that verse is a perfect companion to the song! Your canvases look great!

LeAnna said...

One of my most favorite hymns ever. Love the canvas print you made!

Megan said...

That is probably my favorite hymn. I never knew the story behind it, though. Thank you for sharing!

Amanda said...

I LOVE these! And this is my favorite song ever :)

Bethany said...

That song has so much meaning to me. My cousin and her husband had our pastor sing it at their stillborn daughter's funeral. During the hardest moments in life we always must remember He is control and praise Him through it.