Devotion 3: “It is Well with My Soul”

Jill Osmon

“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6

Peace seems elusive, even nonexistent, in the world today. As we celebrate this Christmas season, looking at peace, and how God provides it in such a quiet and miraculous way, seems fitting. The holidays can highlight family friction, depression, and overall discontent. We as a church see more phone calls wanting counseling, or simply someone to talk to during this time. Why is this? It is because the world seems the opposite of peace; it is chaotic, scary, and confusing.

I love this verse in Isaiah. It uses these lovely comforting names to describe what Jesus will bring to the world and to us. We have looked at all of them but “Prince of Peace.” What peace does God offer us through his Son? First, He provides peace between us and God. How can we, imperfect as we are, reconcile the enmity between us and God? We need a peacemaker to come and broker peace, by living a perfect life, dying for our sins, and rising from the dead. Jesus made the way to His Father. That is miraculous!

He also gives us peace in our lives. I love the song, “It is Well with My Soul.” The lyrics have withstood over the years. Take a minute and read them.

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

It is well (it is well)

With my soul (with my soul)

It is well, it is well with my soul

Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come

Let this blest assurance control

That Christ (yes, He has) has regarded my helpless estate

And has shed His own blood for my soul

It is well (it is well)

With my soul (with my soul)

It is well, it is well with my soul

My sin, oh the bliss of this glorious thought (a thought)

My sin, not in part, but the whole (every bit, every bit, all of it)

Is nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more (yes)

Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul

It is well (it is well)

With my soul (with my soul)

It is well, it is well with my soul

Sing it as well

It is well (it is well)

With my soul (with my soul)

It is well, it is well with 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 (it is well)

With my soul (with my soul)

It is well, it is well with my soul

Sing up to Jesus, it is well

It is well (it is well)

With my soul (with my soul)

It is well, it is well with my soul

Peace does not mean life is easy and you do not have to navigate really difficult seasons; but what it means is that “whatever my lot,” it is well with my soul. Why? It is because God is in control, and He is faithful and good. He is a “Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” He is everything we need, in all situations, and that gives me peace. Will you claim that today?