Celtic Worship - It Is Well/ I Exalt Thee Lyrics

It Is Well / I Exalt Thee | Celtic Worship & Praise Gathering

It Is Well/ I Exalt Thee Song Meaning, Biblical Reference and Inspiration

Celtic Worship presents a powerful combination of established worship themes in their rendition of "It Is Well / I Exalt Thee," released in a video format on November 29, 2020. This song interweaves the deep foundational peace found in the classic hymn "It Is Well With My Soul" with the vertical expression of worship inherent in "I Exalt Thee," creating a unified declaration of faith and devotion regardless of life's circumstances. The composition structure places the core message of exaltation as a frame and integral part of the testimony of peace.

The verses of "It Is Well With My Soul" articulate a journey through life's varied experiences, from periods of calm and peace ("peace like a river") to moments of overwhelming difficulty and sorrow ("sorrows like sea billows roll"). This part of the song, drawing from a rich history rooted in personal tragedy yet profound faith, highlights the Christian conviction that true well-being is not dependent on external circumstances but on an internal assurance taught by God. It directly confronts trials and temptations ("Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come"), asserting that a blessed assurance controls the believer's perspective. This assurance stems from the recognition of Christ's atonement, His regard for humanity's "helpless estate," and the shedding of His blood, echoing biblical themes of God's presence and faithfulness in suffering (e.g., Psalm 46:1, Isaiah 43:2, Philippians 4:7).

Further exploring the source of this inner peace, the lyrics delve into the profound concept of sin being fully dealt with ("not in part, but the whole"). The image of sin being "nailed to the cross" signifies the completed work of Christ's sacrifice on Calvary, liberating the soul from its burden and guilt. This truth is presented as a "glorious thought" leading naturally to an overflow of praise and worship ("Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul"), directly linking the theological understanding of redemption to a personal, heartfelt response of adoration. This aligns with scriptures that speak of the liberation from sin through Christ and the call to worship (e.g., Romans 6:6-7, Colossians 2:14, Psalm 103:1-2).

Woven throughout this narrative of peace found in Christ is the repeated declaration, "I exalt Thee, oh Lord." This chorus serves as the primary response to the truths presented in the verses. It is not merely a passive acknowledgment of peace, but an active lifting up of God's name. Exalting God is a central theme in scripture, often associated with recognizing His sovereignty, power, and worthiness of praise (e.g., Psalm 34:3, Psalm 99:5, Isaiah 25:1). By placing this exaltation alongside the testimony of "It Is Well," the song emphasizes that the state of the soul's well-being is ultimately rooted in and leads to the worship of God. It suggests that enduring faith and peace in trials are direct reasons to exalt the Lord.

The song concludes with an anticipation of Christ's return ("haste the day when the faith shall be sight," "The trump shall resound and the Lord shall descend"). This eschatological hope provides the ultimate context for the believer's peace. The knowledge that suffering is temporary and that a glorious future awaits reinforces the ability to declare "Even so, it is well with my soul." This final thought encapsulates the journey from present trials and the foundation of salvation to future hope, all leading back to the enduring reality that the soul is secure and at peace because of God's work, culminating in His exaltation. The Celtic musical style inherent to the group likely lends an atmospheric depth and rich, perhaps folk-influenced, sound that enhances the contemplative and worshipful nature of these classic themes.