This hymn was written after several traumatic events in Spafford’s
life. The first was the death of his only son in 1871, shortly followed
by the Great Chicago Fire
which ruined him financially (he had been a successful lawyer). Then in
1873, he had planned to travel to Europe with his family on the S.S. Ville Du Havre,
but sent the family ahead while he was delayed on business. While
crossing the Atlantic, the ship sank rapidly after a collision with
another ship, and all four of Spafford's daughters died. His wife Anna
survived and sent him the now famous telegram, "Saved alone." Shortly
afterwards, as Spafford traveled to meet his grieving wife, he was
inspired to write these words as his ship passed near where his
daughters had died.

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.

It is well, with my soul,
It is well, with my soul,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.

Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come,
Let this blessed assurance control,
That Christ has regarded my helpless estate,
And hath shed His own blood for my soul.

It is well, with my soul,
It is well, with my soul,
It is well, it is well, with 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!

It is well, with my soul,
It is well, 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.