Bethel Music - It is Well Lyrics

It Is Well - Kristene DiMarco | You Make Me Brave

It is Well Song Meaning, Biblical Reference and Inspiration

"It is Well" by Bethel Music, specifically the rendition led by Kristene DiMarco featured on the 2014 album "You Make Me Brave," is a powerful worship anthem that draws heavily on themes of faith, trust, and the unwavering sovereignty of God amidst life's trials. The song opens by referencing the sheer power of the divine voice, capable of causing seismic shifts in the earth and calming turbulent seas. This initial imagery grounds the listener in the understanding of a God whose control extends over the most immense forces of nature, setting the stage for the personal declaration of peace that follows. The mention of these cosmic events being subject to God's will "for my regard" elevates the personal connection, implying that this vast power is exercised with the individual in mind.

The core of the song resides in its recurring chorus, which serves as both a declaration and a posture: "Through it all, through it all / My eyes are on You." This phrase articulates a deliberate choice to fix one's focus not on the difficulties themselves, but on the divine presence. Following this declaration of focused faith comes the profound statement, "It is well." This refrain is not a denial of hardship, but an assertion of inner peace and security found in the midst of it, rooted in the relationship with God. The slightly varied repetition, "It is well with me," personalizes this truth, making it a deep, internal reality for the singer and listener.

The second verse confronts the challenge of believing when physical evidence is absent. "Far be it from me to not believe / Even when my eyes can't see" speaks to a faith that transcends sensory perception, aligning with biblical concepts such as found in Hebrews 11:1, which defines faith as "the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen." The imagery of a mountain being thrown into the sea directly echoes the words of Jesus in Matthew 17:20 and Matthew 21:21, where faith is presented as having the power to overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles. This verse reinforces the active nature of faith required to navigate difficulties.

A significant portion of the song, the bridge, acts as an exhortation to the soul itself. "So let go my soul and trust in Him" encourages a release of anxiety and a conscious decision to place reliance upon God. The repeated line, "The waves and wind still know His name," is a powerful reminder of God's ultimate authority over creation, referencing moments in scripture like Mark 4:39 where Jesus calms a storm with a word. This image provides a foundation for trust, suggesting that if even the chaotic forces of nature obey Him, one's personal storms are also under His control.

The most directly referenced element is the inclusion of the timeless phrase, "It is well with my soul." This section explicitly connects the modern worship song to the revered 19th-century hymn by Horatio Spafford. The original hymn's profound message of finding peace in God despite devastating personal loss imbues this contemporary version with layers of historical faith and resilience. By incorporating this phrase and expanding upon its sentiment, Bethel Music and Kristene DiMarco honor the legacy of faith passed down through generations, applying its enduring truth to the present day. The repetition emphasizes the depth and surety of this peace.

Overall, "It is Well" is a moving declaration of faith that transcends circumstances. It calls listeners to shift their perspective from the overwhelming nature of trials to the absolute power and trustworthiness of God. The song's message is deeply rooted in scriptural truths about God's sovereignty over creation, the power of faith that doesn't require sight, the ability of faith to overcome obstacles, and the peace that comes from trusting in the divine. Featured on an album titled "You Make Me Brave," the song's theme of finding peace and stability in God directly contributes to the idea that placing one's trust in Him empowers one to face challenges with courage. The enduring appeal of the song lies in its ability to articulate a profound, counter-cultural peace available to believers, echoing the historical witness of faith while speaking to contemporary struggles.