Peace Like a River

I have a creek that winds through my back yard.  It’s not very deep or very wide, but it is classically scenic.  I enjoy the tranquil feeling I get on cool summer nights, lying in bed with the windows open, listening to the sound of the rushing water as it flows over the many rocks submerged in the creek bed.  The random baritone from a croaking frog adds to the music of the night.  When I’m out working in the yard, I occasionally will stop and pause, gazing out at the sparkling water, as I soak up the picturesque charm of the creek. 

Perhaps there was just such a scenario in the life of a man named Horatio Spafford, a successful Chicago attorney.  Apparently, Spafford was heavily invested in real estate, but the Great Chicago Fire of 1871 wiped out all his holdings.  If that wasn’t bad enough, shortly after his financial disaster happened, his only son died from rheumatic fever.    

Spafford decided to relocate to England with his wife and daughters.  Business delayed his departure, so he sent his family ahead to stay with relatives, promising to join them in a few days.  On November 22, the ship they were on was struck by another and sank in a matter of minutes. Mrs. Spafford was rescued from the frigid waters, but their daughters were not among the handful of survivors.  Mr. Spafford received a cable from his wife that simply said, “Saved alone.”  What incredibly devastating news that must have been!

A few days later, when Horatio Spafford made the sad voyage to London alone to meet his wife, his ship sailed over the same spot where his four daughters had sunk to the ocean depths.  It was there, amid his most gut-wrenching sorrow, he wrote these unforgettable words that have brought solace to countless numbers of others who are grieving.

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.   

Life hands us broken relationships, job losses, financial disasters, diseases, and death.  We are not exempt from painful circumstances just because we follow Christ.

The good news is that Scripture describes another reality that is available to anyone who believes in Him.  In Philippians 4:7 we are told, “There is a peace from God that transcends all understanding, and it will guard your heart and mind when they are fixed on Christ Jesus.”

My prayer this week is for all of us to experience the depth of this peace.  To be at peace with God, and with our inner self, is what leads to being at peace with others.  May this peace wash over you like a creek flowing over the rocks. 

Many Blessings,

Pastor Mike Howard