You probably recognize that phrase.  It’s a line in the lyrics of “It is well with my soul.”  But what is a sea billow?  I found a definition that it is a large sea wave surging in a moving ridge, plural being a series of such ridges that move across the surface of a large body of water.   If you’re at sea, such billows have your ship tossing helplessly in the waves,  passengers and crew fearing the worst.

In 1873 hymnist Horatio Spafford penned the words, “When sorrows like sea billows roll.”   You may be familiar with the circumstances that led to these words.   Traumatic is an understatement.  First his four year old son died  of scarlet fever.  Then the Great Chicago Fire of 1871 ruined him financially. He made plans to travel to Europe with his family.  When he was delayed on business, he sent his wife and four children on ahead.  In a collision with another vessel, his four precious daughters were lost.   He received word of this tragedy in a telegram from his wife, “Saved alone.”  Shortly after, as Horatio traveled to meet his grieving wife, he passed near the site where his daughters had died.   Here he was inspired to write the words we now know as “It is well with my soul.”

Sometimes we feel like the sea billows are rolling over our journey.   Perhaps we suffer chronic illness or pain.  Perhaps a loved one has died.  Perhaps the pandemic of Covid-19 adds loneliness to our days, when friends and family cannot visit.  Perhaps it is the nightly news with its messages of hatred and divisiveness, that stir a sense of anger and frustration.

Whatever the billowing sea may bring to us we have the assurance of these words.

“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.
It is well with my soul,
it is well, it is well with my soul.”*

Bask in the assurance of His unconditional love.

Judy

*Text Horatio G. Spafford,  Music Philip P. Bliss