Second, I learned that a young girl in the church I work at, who has had cancer for quite some time passed away this evening. Her two older brothers are in my youth group, and it hurts me to think of what they are going through.
In light of all this, how do I keep on? How do I persevere when my world seems to be falling apart? I can't. On my own, it is impossible. My mom is asleep in a hospital bed and will probably never walk again, and a family; indeed, an entire town I work with is grieving the loss of a sweet little girl to a cruel disease. I am overwhelmed by the heartbreak, but I do have comfort. That comfort is God. My world continues to be shaken, but God is in control and I can say with full confidence that it is well with my soul.
It is well has always been one of my favorite hymns, because I know what it's like when the only thing that it is well with is my soul. Those moments that life just seems to stop because of the grief, those time when all I want to do is cry, cry, and cry some more, it is well with my soul. God's word promises tough times in this life, but also guarantees that for those who trust in Christ and delight in the Lord, we have an eternal hope. This world of pain, this place of suffering, and this land of heartache is temporary, and one day all this anguish will be gone for those of us who are Christians. Check out what it says in Revelation 21:3-4:
"And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying: Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall their be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore fo thr former things have passed away." -Revelation 21:3-4 ESV
When I read these verses, I'm reminded that one day all will be made new, and this anguish I'm going through now will be no more. The things that come between my Heavenly Father and I will be removed, and my joy shall be never end. That is why I can say: It Is well With My Soul!!
Truly Blessed,
Matt
(Numbers 6:24-26)
1. 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. 2. 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. (Refrain) 3. 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! (Refrain) 4. And, Lord, haste the day when my 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
