“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.”

The lyrics of this song were written by a man named Horatio Spafford, and his life has been anything but well. He tragically lost his son. A fire destroyed a great deal of every real estate investment he had. His four daughters drowned on a boat trip and only his wife survived. Yet, he still had enough faith and trust in God to sing a song that says, “It is well with my soul.” It speaks volumes to me how a person like him can still find solace in life after experiencing what he did. What he found his solace in is what makes the difference. He found his solace in Jesus Christ.

“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.”

I find that in my darkest moments in life is when I feel God’s peace and comfort the most. It is also during those times when I want to give up. It is also during those times when I have to FULLY rely on God to bring me through. If anything, I have learned that overcoming trials and tribulations are just another way to bring glory to God. Some people may ask, “How do you say, ‘It is well with my soul’ when you find out someone you love has passed away? How do you say, ‘It is well with my soul’ when you lost your job? How do you say, ‘It is well with my soul’ when everything is falling apart? ” Honestly, it is hard to say those words when you are in the midst of chaos, but God does not waste pain. I am a firm believer that everything happens for a reason. What happened in your life may not have been a part of your plan, but it was a part of God’s plan. Certain circumstances may arise in your life that cause you to question God’s love for you, but that does not mean He has stopped loving you. Those times spent in the valley are times to fully trust in God and His plan — NOT your plan. I am grateful for the times in life when I felt like it was the end because those times have taught me to trust God like I never have before. Those difficult times in my life are now shaping me to become the person God wants me to be. It can be that way for you too. You just have to surrender to Jesus. You have to give up. By giving up, you have to give up your plans and your ways so God can have His will.

“Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.” James 1:2-4

When you endure trials, consider it all joy. If you are going through trials, also consider that it could be the enemy trying to stop the divine plan God has for your life. God does have a plan for your life even when you do not see one. Do not let the trials bring you down. Let those trials only making you stronger as God molds you into the person He has called you to be. Stay strong. Be steadfast. Always rejoice. Have peace knowing that when you lost everything, you have not lost the eternal life promised for those who love and serve the Lord. He sent His son to die for people who may never love Him back. Death had no sting on Jesus because He is risen, and He is coming back. Find comfort in knowing that you do not serve a dead king in a tomb. You serve a God who is alive.