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 with My Soul (1873)
By: Horatio G. Spafford, (1828-1888)
Listen to this beautiful version as you prepare to ponder this hymn. Please make certain to enjoy the podcast below.
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Everyone enjoy this podcast and transcript below! It features meditative music and moments to contemplate the Scriptures and reflections shared.
Transcript may be found below, at the end of the blog.
We begin our journey through one of the most beloved of all hymns, with one of the most poignant, yet inspiring stories. If you do not know the story, you may watch more about it here. A path toward wellness of soul has been made available by our gracious God, but we must be willing to practice what we have learned, especially when it is not easy. Let’s think about this.
The Secret of Being Content
When was the last time you were aware you were discontent?
It may have been a moment when you did not get what you thought you deserved. Maybe someone did something to you that you feel you did not deserve. Maybe you have longed for something for a long time, and it continues to allude you, and with it, your contentment.
The issue ultimately lies not in what we have or do not have, nor what happens or does not happen. The issue is not one of externals at all, but of a confidence of an inner reality. Our souls are well, and God has taught us to say that as a conscious, cognitive expression of faith that can transform our thoughts, and our thoughts in turn inform our perspective on all things external.
Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say,
Even if you have recently surrendered to Jesus Christ, you have some awareness of this teaching. You likely did so in part because the Holy Spirit helped you realize that what Christ has done has created the possibility of wellness in your soul, internal, regardless of your circumstances, external. Paul certainly knew this.
I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation… Philippians 4:12b NIV
Philippians gives you great insight into the fact that Paul had indeed learned this lesson. Our circumstances are certainly different than his, but they afford us the same opportunity to learning. Wherever you are in that process, realize what is happening around you today has a purpose in God’s will for your life, and part of that is absolutely to learn this life-transforming reality.
Here is a lesson I am still in the process of learning: to be content in any and every situation. The fact that Paul can declare this gives me hope as I aspire to the same ability. Bless the Lord for Paul’s example, even as you ask Him for the grace required to emulate it.
Indeed, God has taught us to declare the wellness of our soul no matter what our circumstances. Let’s be honest, that is not always an easy thing to do, but He will help us. Ask the Holy Spirit to teach you how today.
RESONATE!
Take a moment to consider what is happening around you. Though circumstances need not dictate how we feel, they can be incredible teachers if we see them as from the hands of our loving God. Is there peace, sorrows, delight, pain, etc.? Use each as a vehicle to come to God. Once you have worn that path to Him, you will realize how close He truly is and be more apt to bring everything. It is that posture that cultivates wellness of soul, and even enables us to declare it when we do not feel it. Ask the Holy Spirit to teach you the secret of being content today, as you learn to rest in God.
Restoring Wellness
Even those of us who believe we have learned this lesson can easily lose sight of it at times. Why? Because there is always more wellness to experience, so there is no shortage of circumstances to teach it to us. We are all going deeper in our understanding and experience of this simple statement.
It is well, it is well with my soul.
We must learn not only the secret of being content, but the discipline of restoring it when we lose it, even if only for a moment. If you have lost it for many moments, minutes, days, weeks, months, even years, don’t worry… you are in good company. The moment you realize you have lost it is a God-given opportunity to return to the source so your wellness, a gift from God for your good and His glory, may be restored.
He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Psalm 23:3 ESV
Are you hungry or thirsty for wellness? That is a gift from God as well. He will supply it if you will simply let Him lead you to the place of restoration. Maybe the Good Shepherd wants to lead you to quiet waters, or calm meadows. Maybe He wants to create them inside of you or in your unique context if you can not get to those physical spaces.
Find rest in Him whether He leads you through peace and sorrow or something else. The purpose of the journey is the restoration of our souls, not so much in the destination, but along the way. Will you let Him lead you by embracing your circumstances as teachers of wellness.
RESONATE!
Thank the Good Shepherd for His presence on the path He is leading you. It likely is not your chosen one, but confess He knows better that you. Ask Him to allow the circumstances to teach you the secret of practicing wellness, not in spite of them, but through them. Then thank Him again for His kindness to you today. Repeat it all tomorrow and every day thereafter.
Jesus, thank You for the paths You lead me down and the lessons You teach me through them. I would not choose them, but I surrender to Your design in my journey. I am convinced You desire wellness in my soul, and will teach me how to declare it and live it if I will only surrender. I do so again today. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Contented Thinking!
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Podcast 18.1 Transcript
Welcome to Thursday Thoughts at Resonant 7, where we reflect on the reality of God and resolve to let it resound in our lives, repeatedly. Let’s think about this.
When peace, like a river, attendeth my way,
For thus says the Lord: “Behold, I will extend peace to her like a river, and the glory of the nations like an overflowing stream… Isaiah 66:12a ESV
Here the prophet is speaking about the city of Jerusalem, the dwelling place of God. It is oftentimes fair for us to assume the things He speaks of His city, He also speaks to His people. Thank God for the peace he extends to you, like a glorious river.
When sorrows like sea billows roll;
Your wrath lies heavy upon me, and you overwhelm me with all your waves. Selah Psalm 88:7 ESV
This is a heavy truth, that God allows sorrows as surely as he extends peace. Sometimes those sorrows are a result of our actions, but oftentimes the result of others. Ask God to help you trust Him, even when the waves of sorrow overwhelm your soul.
Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say,
I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation… Philippians 4:12b NIV
Here is a lesson I am still in the process of learning, to be content in any and every situation. The fact that Paul can declare this gives me hope as I aspire to the same ability. Bless the Lord for Paul’s example, even as you ask Him for the grace required to emulate it.
It is well, it is well with my soul.
He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Psalm 23:3 ESV
Through peace and sorrow, God leads us like sheep guided by a gentle shepherd. The purpose of the journey is the restoration of our souls, that we may bring glory to His name as we learn to walk in a way which reflects His righteousness.
Take a few moments to talk to Jesus about what has come to your mind, or listen to what He is saying to you, then I will read our text once more, with the Refrain.
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 with my soul,
It is well, it is well with my soul.
Take the mindfulness of God’s presence cultivated in these last few minutes into the next ones and beyond. Until next time, Be Resonant.
The post What is God Teaching You Through Your Circumstances? appeared first on Resonant 7.
Image Attributions
Whatever My Lot – https://pixabay.com/photos/happiness-joy-pure-air-freedom-1866081/
It Is Well – https://pixabay.com/photos/meditation-calm-above-the-city-1287207/
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