Peace

Peace

I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give isn’t like the peace the world gives. So don’t be troubled or afraid.

John 14:27

H. G. Spafford was a dedicated Christian who lived during the 1800s. Although he was a businessman, today he is remembered for words he penned during an excruciatingly painful time in his life. He had just suffered a financial reversal and was leaving for England with his family. He sent his wife and four daughters ahead on the SS Ville du Havre. In the middle of the ocean, the ship carrying his family collided with another ship and sank quickly, with 230 people losing their lives. Spafford’s four daughters were drowned, but his wife was rescued. The message she wired to her husband read, “Saved alone.” Spafford felt incredible grief; he had lost all four of his daughters to the sea, and his wife was on the other side of the world, alone. But out of his grief he penned some amazing words that still encourage us today:

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.”^a

Father,

Thank you that you share your peace with us in a much different way than we expect. It’s always available—even in the worst of times. May we be devoted to you consistently so that we will experience your peace consistently. Amen.