Anthem Lights - It Is Well Lyrics

It Is Well

It Is Well Song Meaning, Biblical Reference and Inspiration

The song "It Is Well" as performed by Anthem Lights is a contemporary rendition of a classic hymn, released with its video on July 14, 2017. This powerful piece draws directly from the profound lyrics written by Horatio Spafford in 1873. Spafford penned these words following a series of personal tragedies, most notably the loss of his four daughters at sea when their ship sank. Traveling to meet his grieving wife in England, he is said to have written the hymn as his ship passed over the spot where his daughters perished. The lyrics, therefore, emerged not from a life of ease, but from the deepest imaginable sorrow, standing as a testament to faith and peace found amidst overwhelming loss.

The opening stanza, "When peace, like a river, attendeth my way, When sorrows like sea billows roll," immediately contrasts moments of calm with periods of intense suffering. Yet, the central declaration, "Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say, It is well, it is well with my soul," reveals a deep-seated trust and acceptance rooted in divine teaching. This is not a denial of pain, but a profound spiritual resolve that transcends earthly circumstances, anchoring the soul in something greater than the current struggle.

The second stanza shifts focus to the core of Christian belief: redemption through Christ's sacrifice. "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." This expresses the liberating truth of atonement, where the burden of sin is completely removed by Christ's work on the cross. The "bliss" mentioned highlights the joy and freedom that comes from this realization, leading to a heartfelt call to praise. This section directly connects the state of the soul's well-being to the forgiveness and freedom found in Christ.

The final stanza looks towards the future, expressing hope for the Second Coming of Christ. "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." This anticipation of Christ's glorious return provides a powerful sense of future vindication and ultimate peace. Even in the face of this dramatic, future event, the same declaration rings true: "Even so, it is well with my soul." This affirms that the spiritual peace experienced by the believer is constant, applying to the present trials and the anticipated future glory.

Relevant scripture references that resonate with these themes include Philippians 4:6-7, which speaks of the peace of God guarding hearts and minds through prayer, and John 14:27, where Jesus offers His peace distinct from the world's. The concept of sin being nailed to the cross aligns with passages like Isaiah 53:5-6, describing the suffering servant who bore our iniquities, and 1 Peter 2:24, which states Christ Himself bore our sins in His body on the cross. The hope for Christ's return is echoed in 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17, detailing the resurrection and meeting the Lord in the air, and Revelation 21:4, which speaks of God wiping away every tear in the new creation. These biblical foundations underscore the theological depth of the hymn's lyrics.

Anthem Lights' musical arrangement provides a fresh interpretation of these timeless lyrics, often characterized by rich harmonies and a contemporary sound that makes the profound message accessible to a modern audience. Their rendition serves to amplify the hymn's inherent power, allowing listeners to connect with its themes of enduring faith, divine peace, and eternal hope. The song remains a source of inspiration and comfort, reminding those who listen that even in the midst of life's most turbulent storms, it is possible to declare, through faith, that "it is well with my soul."