By Ginny Chambers

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.

More than a century ago, Horacio Spafford, a successful Chicago lawyer, was getting ready to embark on a European vacation with his family, when at the last minute, he was detained by some pressing business matters. So Spafford sent his wife and four daughters ahead on the French ocean liner, Ville Du Havre. In the middle of the Atlantic, the Ville Du Havre was struck by another ship, and it quickly sank, resulting in the deaths of 226 people—among them Spafford’s four daughters. His wife Anna survived and sent Spafford a telegram saying only, “Saved alone.” Spafford immediately boarded a ship to meet his wife. On his way, as the ship came near to where his daughters drowned, Spafford was so moved that he penned the words to the treasured hymn, “It is Well with My Soul.”

In light of the challenging times we are all experiencing in today’s world, can you honestly say that it is well with your soul? What is exactly is the soul? Your soul consists of your mind, your will and your emotions. Let’s take a look:

Your mind

Every day you have a choice to feed off the media frenzy or to meditate on God’s Word and have your mind renewed. Romans 12:2 says, “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what the will of God is, what is good and acceptable and perfect.”

When life becomes overwhelming, you can find renewal for your mind as well as courage to face another day when you place yourself at the feet of Jesus.

Your will

We all are probably strong-willed or stubborn at times, but God wants us to yield to His will. Let Him lead the way through good and bad days. Psalm 143:10 says, Teach me to do Your will, For You are my God; Let Your good Spirit lead me on level ground.

Your emotions

We should all take care that our emotions do not rule us or define who we are. Your emotions may be based on fact. But held up to the Light of God’s truth, they will become dim. Instead, ask God for help in managing your emotions. James 1:5, says: But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him.

Lamentations 3:22-23 says God’s mercy is new every morning. God gives us a do-over! As we practice social distancing, don’t distance yourself from the very One who can and will help with all of your tomorrows.

Father, I am guilty of letting my life put up roadblocks and detours on the very love that I need. I cannot fix anything, let alone myself. My life is a mess, and I come to you today in humility and brokenness to ask for healing for my weary soul. I surrender my will to You, ever gracious Father, forgive me and create in me a clean heart and grant me eternal life in you. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Ginny Chambers is an avid writer, living in the freedom of Christ. In her spare time, she enjoys volunteering at LowCountry Community Church, gardening, and spending time with friends.