When peace life a river, attendeth my way,

When sorrows like sea billows roll;

This great hymn was written by William Spafford, after two great tragedies.  The first was the great fire of Chicago in October 1871, which ruined him financially.

Whatever my lot, thou has

Taught me to say,

Shortly after, while crossing the Atlantic, all four of his daughter died in a collision with another ship.  His wife Anna survived and sent him the now famous telegram, “Saved alone.”  Several weeks later, as his ship passed near the spot where his daughters died, he wrote these words.

It is well, it is well,

With my soul.

The words of this hymn provide comfort and hope to all who are in pain, because it was written from pain.

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.

It is well, it is well, with my soul.