In times of trouble, we can be overwhelmed by uncertainty and fear, but God is not absent, nor is he unconcerned about our suffering. He promises to give us a peace that the world cannot understand.
Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. John 14:27, KJV
In 1873, Horatio Spafford penned these words after his four daughters perished. His grief, while great, was buffered by the peace he found in Christ.
When peace, like a river, attendeth my way,
When sorrows like sea billows roll;
Whatever my lot, Thou has taught me to say,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.
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.
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!
For me, be it Christ, be it Christ hence to live:
If Jordan above me shall roll,
No pang shall be mine, for in death as in life
Thou wilt whisper Thy peace to my soul.
But, Lord, ‘tis for Thee, for Thy coming we wait,
The sky, not the grave, is our goal;
Oh trump of the angel! Oh voice of the Lord!
Blessed hope, blessed rest of my soul!
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.
It is well with my soul, it is well, it is well, with my soul.
Christian artist Phil Wickham authored similar encouraging sentiments in his song “Living Hope.”
During these uncertain times, it is important to remember in whom our hope is secure. People will fail us but God will never fail us. For those who are his, he will provide all comfort until he takes us home.
On the journey toward Home,
