When Sorrows Like Sea Billows Roll...

It has been 20 years last September since we lost my brother in a helicopter accident.  He was out on maneuvers, training  for a war yet to come, that would later be named Desert Storm, when his helicopter had mechanical problems and crashed.  At times it's seems like a long time ago, and at other times it seems like yesterday.  Growing up in the church, I'd probably sang, "It Is Well With My Soul" a multitude of times.  But after my brother's death, it took on a new meaning for me and has provided great comfort.  I wonder if Horatio Spafford could have known what an impact his words would have on future generations.  Through his many tragedies would come a hymn that would comfort generations to come, 

"When Sorrows like Sea Billows roll....."

Mr. Spafford's life was certainly one that was filled with hurt and loss.  A lawyer in Chicago, Mr. Spafford and his wife had a son and four daughters.  In 1871, Mr. Spafford lost his young son and later in that year, a fire wiped out many of his real estate investments, causing him to lose everything.   In 1873, he and his family decided to take a trip to Europe.  His wife and daughters headed out first with him to follow on another ship later on in the week.  The first ship carrying his wife and daughters was struck by another ship and only his wife survived.  As he made the journey to Europe to be with his wife,he came close to the spot where his daughters were lost, and he began jotting down the words that would become the hymn "It Is Well With My Soul".

King David too had a lot of hurt and sorrow in his life. In Psalms he writes:

My soul is weary with sorrow; 
strengthen me according to your word.

Psalm 119:28 

If you too are experiencing hurt and loss, my hope is that you can find strength in God's word and a peace like a river.