The beauty of Hymns

As young people, I believe we often associate hymns with the older generation and "boring".
Personally, i grew up in a traditional church setting, where 80% of the songs we sang were hymns, accompanied by just a church organ and a grand piano, which was considered the more "contemporary" musical instrument to be used in church.

As i grew up (not that i'm very old though), i begin to discover the beauty of hymns.
The words carry so much depth and there are many valuable real life stories behind many of the hymns, and it's something that is much needed for our generation.

We are often brought up with "feel good" songs and with much hype.
Nothing wrong with that, in fact, i do believe contemporary christian songs have their place in reaching into our inner most being as well, touching our lives and encouraging us to live The Life.

But it's good to look back, explore, how God has worked in the lives of those who lived hundreds of years ago
just as we are often encouraged by the many testimonies of our own youths in YF posted in this website, these hymns are the testimonies of these people who live hundreds of years ago
I am absolutely, without a doubt, reminded and amazed at how our God is the same yesterday, today and forever!


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For a start, I'd like to introduce to you guys, this particular hymn called
"It is well, with my soul" by Horatio Spafford, Philip Paul Bliss

In the 1870s Horatio Spafford was a successful Chicago lawyer and a close friend of evangelist Dwight L. Moody.
Spafford had invested heavily in real estate, but the Chicago fire of 1871 wiped out his holdings. His son had died shortly before the disaster.

Spafford and his family desperately needed a rest so in 1873 he planned a trip to Europe with his wife and four daughters.
While in Great Britain he also hoped to help Moody and Sankey with their evangelistic tour.
Last minute business caused Spafford to delay his departure, but he sent his wife and four daughters on the S.S. Ville Du Havre as scheduled, promising to follow in a few days.
On November 22 the ship was struck by the English ship Lochearn, and it sank in twelve minutes. Several days later the survivors landed at Cardiff, Wales, and Mrs. Spafford cabled her husband the brief message, "Saved alone."

When Horatio Spafford made the ocean crossing to meet his grieving wife, he sailed near the place where his four daughters had sunk to the ocean depths. There, in the midst of his sorrow, he wrote these unforgettable words that have brought solace to so many in grief:


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."

Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come,
Let this blest assurance control,
That Christ has regarded my helpless estate,
And hath shed his own blood for my soul.


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This song has ministered greatly to me as i ponder how often i grumble abt things that went wrong and failed to see God's purpose in my life.
In circumstances, can i still firmly say that "It is well, with my soul"?
I pray that you too will be blessed by this hymn