Check out this powerful and soul-stirring performance from Jordan Smith of the song ‘It Is Well with My Soul.’ His rendition of this hymn is so beautiful and will leave you feeling encouraged. What a talented singer with such a warm and soothing voice!
‘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."’
Jordan Smith, winner of season 9 of The Voice, has a new album, The People’s Hymnal, featuring a dynamic collection of familiar Gospel standards reimagined. His rendition of ‘It Is Well with My Soul’ is one of the songs on the album. This collection of live performances captures Jordan’s heart for worship with soulful vocals and stories behind the music.
As for the hymn ‘It Is Well with My Soul,’ it was written by Horatio Spafford and composed by Philip Bliss. And the beautiful words of the song were written after traumatic events that happened in Horatio’s life.
During the great Chicago Fire of 1871, Horatio Spafford lost his entire fortune, and his son even died shortly before the fire. More heartbreaking events soon followed.
Hymnologist Kenneth Osbeck tells the story: “Desiring a rest for his wife and four daughters, Spafford planned a European trip for his family in 1873. In November of that year, due to unexpected last-minute business developments, he had to remain in Chicago, but sent his wife and four daughters on ahead as scheduled on the S.S. Ville du Havre. He expected to follow in a few days. On November 22, the ship was struck by the Lochearn, an English vessel, and sank in twelve minutes. Several days later, the survivors were finally landed at Cardiff, Wales, and Mrs. Spafford cabled her husband, ‘Saved alone.’”
‘It Is Well with My Soul’ was said to have been written by Horatio on his journey to go join his wife, in the area of the ocean where the ship carrying his daughters had sunk.
What a beautiful song to be written out of such heartbreak. We hope that you enjoyed listening to Jordan Smith’s rendition of ‘It Is Well with My Soul’ today.