“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 seems like we have heard these words in a thousand settings and renditions. It is one of those songs that sticks to our soul like oatmeal sticks to the ribs. To be able to sing this from our heart is our richest blessing in all of life. Peace like this comes from only one source. Jesus said, “My peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”

There have been times that I could sing this song with blessed assurance that Jesus is mine, and there are those days when it feels more like a plea for God to make it well with my soul. Our faith can be like the woman in today’s text, who told others that “It is well,” but fell at the feet of Elisha as a deeply troubled soul pleading for help.

How many times have we answered the “How are you” question with, “Fine,” and then wept at the feet of Jesus because things were not fine?

Dear friends, we can stand up when our prayer’s last tear has fallen on Jesus’ feet, and we can say, “All is well.” I have witnessed this many times as friends have “prayed through” a situation, and I have experienced this in my own soul.

“There is peace in the time of trouble,
There is peace in the midst of the storm,
There is peace though the world be raging,
In the shelter of His arms.”