Brian Doerksen + Harry Doerksen - It Is Well Lyrics
Lyrics
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
Verse 2
Though Satan should buffet
Though trials should come
Let blessed assurance control
That Christ hath regarded my helpless estate
And hath shed his own blood for my soul
Chorus
It is well with my soul
It is well, it is well with my soul
Verse 3
Redeemed, O 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
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord O my soul
Verse 4
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
Even so, it is well with my soul
Chorus
It is well (it is well) with my soul (with my soul)
It is well, it is well with my soul
It is well, it is well with my soul
Video
It Is Well | Brian Doerksen feat. Harry Doerksen | Music Video
Meaning & Inspiration
"It Is Well" by Brian Doerksen and Harry Doerksen, featured on the album *You Shine (Live from Dublin)* released on September 17, 2002, stands as a powerful testament to enduring faith amidst life's storms. While the Doerksens deliver a compelling musical arrangement, the profound weight of its words finds its origin in the deeply moving personal tragedy of Horatio G. Spafford in the late 19th century. After losing his children and much of his fortune, and then receiving the devastating telegram "Saved alone," signifying the sinking of the ship carrying his remaining daughters, Spafford penned these verses while crossing the Atlantic near where his ship went down. This historical context imbues every line with an unparalleled authenticity of faith, revealing a soul anchored in God even when the world crumbles. The Doerksens’ rendition brings this historical depth into a contemporary worship setting, allowing a new generation to connect with this enduring message.
This opening verse immediately confronts the ebb and flow of human experience, painting a picture of both tranquil peace and overwhelming grief, likened to "sea billows roll." It's an honest portrayal of life's unpredictable nature, yet it pivots quickly to a declaration of God's steadfast teaching. The soul learns to proclaim, "It is well," not from a place of denial, but from a profound spiritual posture that transcends immediate circumstances. This echoes the promise of peace that "transcends all understanding" (Philippians 4:7), a peace that guards hearts and minds in Christ Jesus, and the steadfast assurance found in Isaiah 26:3, where those whose minds are fixed on God are kept in perfect peace. The understanding here is that true well-being is not dependent on external comfort but on an internal alignment with divine truth.
The spiritual journey intensifies in the second stanza, acknowledging direct spiritual opposition and life's inevitable challenges. The imagery of "Satan should buffet" recalls the very real spiritual battles described in Scripture, reminding us that we wrestle not against flesh and blood (Ephesians 6:12). Yet, amidst these trials, the text asserts that "blessed assurance" must take control. This isn't wishful thinking, but a firm conviction rooted in the saving work of Christ. The realization that Christ "hath regarded my helpless estate" and "hath shed his own blood for my soul" is the bedrock of this assurance. This profound truth, articulated in verses like Romans 5:8, where Christ died for us while we were still sinners, and John 3:16, which speaks of God's immense love, means that our spiritual security is sealed by the ultimate sacrifice, offering an unshakable foundation for our faith even when life feels most chaotic.
A surge of pure joy permeates the third verse, celebrating the transformative power of redemption. The declaration, "My sin, not in part but the whole / Is nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more," captures the liberating truth of Christ's atonement. This isn't merely a reduction of guilt but a complete and utter removal, a radical act of forgiveness that frees the soul from its heaviest burden. Colossians 2:14 powerfully articulates this, stating that God "canceled the record of debt that stood against us... he nailed it to the cross." This complete absolution evokes a natural response of exuberant praise, a spontaneous eruption of gratitude towards the Lord for such a magnificent gift, a freedom that brings deep, abiding peace to the spirit.
The song culminates with a forward-looking gaze towards the ultimate hope of believers – the return of Christ. The longing expressed in "Haste the day when my faith shall be sight" reflects the desire for the full manifestation of God's kingdom, when all things will be made new. The dramatic imagery of "The clouds be rolled back as a scroll" and "The trump shall resound and the Lord shall descend" clearly references the biblical prophecies of the Second Coming, as detailed in passages like 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 and Revelation 1:7. Even in anticipation of this grand, cataclysmic event, the prevailing sentiment remains unwavering: "Even so, it is well with my soul." This final verse solidifies the conviction that our spiritual well-being is eternal, secured not just in our present circumstances but in the glorious future promised by God, a future that gives meaning and peace to every moment until then.
The recurring chorus, "It is well with my soul," serves as the anchor throughout, a powerful mantra of unwavering trust. It encapsulates the song's entire spiritual journey, from facing life's harsh realities and spiritual warfare to embracing redemption and the blessed hope of Christ's return. It's a declaration not born of ignorance or denial, but of a deep, biblically informed faith that finds its ultimate peace and assurance in God's sovereign care and the finished work of Jesus Christ. This simple, profound statement becomes a bedrock for anyone seeking solace and strength in their spiritual walk. This arrangement by Brian and Harry Doerksen respectfully revitalizes a hymn that has comforted generations, presenting its timeless message with clarity and passion. It’s more than just a song; it’s a profound theological statement, a prayer, and a declaration of ultimate peace that empowers believers to face any trial with the knowledge that, regardless of external storms, their soul can remain steadfast and well in Christ. It serves as a potent reminder for today's world that true peace is an internal gift, secured by divine grace.