It Is Well with My Soul (arr. Mack Wilberg) | The Tabernacle Choir
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Published 2017-08-02
The Tabernacle Choir and Orchestra at Temple Square perform Mack Wilberg's arrangement of "It Is Well with My Soul," by Philip P. Bliss.
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Life can be so unpredictable—joys and sorrows, beautiful blessings and distressing difficulties, can come unexpectedly. Our life’s dreams and plans can change in an instant. We all know this to be true. So how can we find peace amid such turbulence?
Horatio Spafford knew something about life’s unexpected challenges. He was a successful attorney and real estate investor who lost a fortune in the great Chicago fire of 1871. Around the same time, his beloved four-year-old son died of scarlet fever.
Thinking a vacation would do his family some good, he sent his wife and four daughters on a ship to England, planning to join them after he finished some pressing business at home. However, while crossing the Atlantic Ocean, the ship was involved in a terrible collision and sunk. More than 200 people lost their lives, including all four of Horatio Spafford’s precious daughters. His wife, Anna, survived the tragedy. Upon arriving in England, she sent a telegram to her husband that began: “Saved alone. What shall I do?”
Horatio immediately set sail for England. At one point during his voyage, the captain of the ship, aware of the tragedy that had struck the Spafford family, summoned Horatio to tell him that they were now passing over the spot where the shipwreck had occurred.
As Horatio thought about his daughters, words of comfort and hope filled his heart and mind. He wrote them down, and they have since become a well-beloved hymn:
When peace like a river, attendeth my way,
When sorrows like sea billows roll—
Whatever my lot, thou hast taught me to know
It is well, it is well with my soul.
Perhaps we cannot always say that everything is well in all aspects of our lives. There will always be storms to face, and sometimes there will be tragedies. But with faith in a loving God and with trust in His divine help, we can confidently say, “It is well, it is well with my soul.”
Lyrics to "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.
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 hath 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!
For me, be it Christ, be it Christ hence to live:
If Jordan above me shall roll,
No pang shall be mine, for in death as in life
Thou wilt whisper Thy peace to my soul.
But, Lord, ’tis for Thee, for Thy coming we wait,
The sky, not the grave, is our goal;
Oh, trump of the angel! Oh, voice of the Lord!
Blessed hope, blessed rest of 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
Episode 4580. Aired June 25, 2017.
All Comments (21)
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I will be looking forward to sing this beautiful hymn in our wards and branches.
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My dad specifically requested this song be sung for his funeral, which occurred a couple months ago. Now I can't hear it without thinking of him. I loved this music before. Now it's a memorial to my Heavenly Father and my earthly father.
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Just had the opportunity to sing this song from the new hymnbook in sacrament meeting, I’m really happy this one was included, it’s a wonderful hymn.
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I've listened to this song and the story, it stuck with me, I didn't know why, after having two of my children murdered a year and three months apart having one son left, no justice here on earth, it's been eight years for my youngest son and seven years for my oldest and only daughter, God with much Grace and Mercy has brought me to this point I can say it is well with my soul despite the pain I'll always have until he calls me home. He's a good and just God every man must go through him.
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I'm speechless. There is a God. This song proves it.
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I’m an atheist but having studied music, I have always loved sacred music. This is definitely one of my favourite hymns. Knowing the inspiration behind it, we can all relate to it regardless of faith.
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When you see actual tears in the eyes of the performers then you know that God’s spirit had dwelt there celebrating the moment. Amen. ❤️
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The story told and the song played at my brother's memorial service today. My mom requested it as she is burying her second child. It is well with our souls because we know that families are forever.
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I sang this for Utah’s honor choir in January 2023 and I sobbed.
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I absolutely love this hymn!❤. My anxiety and depression have taken a toll on me lately! I tend to create my own problems! Anyhow listening to this has helped ease me back to sleep...at least tonight! Thank you choir and more so my dear Lord and Savior! Love you❤
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I am sure that I was led to this song by Angels. I have listened to it before, but tonight listening I am moved the most. Having two family members pass on, so close in time, grieving feels so heavy, but listening to this beautiful hymn sung by one of my favorite choirs is a Godsend. And I am now told by God and Angels..."we are here, we are always here, you don't have to hold your grief alone, we are here, and when you cannot stand, we shall carry you, we are here for you and All."
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During the period of the global Coronavirus pandemic I went on a mission, and this song was part of my preparation to serve the Lord, this song brought a lot of peace to my heart
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I am so comforted by this hymn right now. My brother just died and I know we will see each other again as he has gone to be with the Lord. It is well with my soul.
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This Hymn has never meant more to me than now during these dark times of fear, death and uncertainty.
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No matter what happens, I Know that it's well with my soul because God took all of my sins on the cross.
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"My sin, not in part, but in whole, is nailed to the cross and I bear it no more." Those words always bring tears to my eyes. Such a powerful lyric in an absolutely beautiful setting.
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I heard this version performed by an honor choir of high school students and I cried through the whole thing. "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!" Afterward I had to come find the song on YouTube. Beautiful song!
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The song is so comforting a time like this when the whole world is threatened by the darkest cloud of death, suffering, uncertainty,lack of jobs,threatening economy ,God knows what next ,l rise up my eyes unto heavens and say it is well.
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As a child I listened to the choir after going to bed. I listened to Richard Evans and the spoken word as part of the beautiful experience drawing my sad.heart up to God for my new dad was always drunk. I was frightened of the angry sounds. He finally received help, God bless 12 step programs, and he and my precious mother are long gone, I am 83 now, but still praise and thank God for the healing wonderful ministry of your heavenly music I can still lie in bed, in the dark and know God is near as I listen. God bless every soul that is part of your gift from God to the world.
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When I see the singers crying I just know what they are singing is true...they know it and God knows it. The spirit will visit us and testify to us of the Christ.
