Nicole C. Mullen - It Is Well Lyrics
Lyrics
When peace, like a river, attendeth my way,
When sorrows like sea billows roll;
Whatever my lot, Thou has taught me to say,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.
It is well, with my soul,
It is well, with my soul,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.
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,
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul!
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.
It is well, with my soul,
It is well, with my soul,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.
Video
It Is Well
Meaning & Inspiration
On January 12, 2018, Nicole C. Mullen released her poignant rendition of the timeless hymn "It Is Well" as part of her album *Like Never Before*. This particular track isn't merely a cover; it’s a profound re-envisioning of a message born from unimaginable grief and unwavering faith, delivered with a fresh spiritual urgency that speaks to the heart of contemporary challenges while honoring its rich heritage.
The narrative woven into these lyrics carries immense historical weight, originating from Horatio G. Spafford in the aftermath of profound personal tragedies in the late 19th century. Facing the loss of his four daughters in a shipwreck and earlier financial ruin, Spafford penned these words, testifying to a peace that transcended his circumstances. Mullen's interpretation breathes new life into this foundational truth, inviting listeners to find the same anchor for their souls. Her powerful, soulful voice acts as a conduit, transforming familiar lines into a vibrant declaration of trust in God, reminding us that true peace isn't the absence of trouble, but the presence of God in the midst of it, aligning with the promise in Philippians 4:7 that "the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
The song’s first movement beautifully articulates the paradox of peace in the face of suffering. The imagery of "peace, like a river" juxtaposed with "sorrows like sea billows roll" paints a vivid picture of life's unpredictable currents. Yet, through all of it, the consistent refrain, "Whatever my lot, Thou has taught me to say, It is well, it is well, with my soul," underscores a divinely imparted resilience. This isn't a passive acceptance of hardship, but an active, faith-filled declaration that God is sovereign over all, a truth echoed in John 16:33 where Jesus assures us, "In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world." This deep-seated conviction allows the believer to affirm spiritual wellness regardless of external chaos.
Moving to the core of the Gospel, the hymn transitions to the transformative power of redemption. The lines celebrating "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," resonate with an overwhelming sense of liberation. This segment is a jubilant testament to Christ’s finished work on Calvary, where the burden of sin is irrevocably lifted. This concept is profoundly scriptural, with Colossians 2:13-14 stating, "And you, who were dead in your trespasses... God made alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses, by canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This he set aside, nailing it to the cross." Mullen’s delivery here emphasizes the sheer joy and freedom found in this divine exchange, prompting a heartfelt "Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul!" for such an immeasurable grace.
Finally, the song casts its gaze toward eternity, expressing a longing for Christ’s glorious return. The earnest prayer, "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," encapsulates the eschatological hope that underpins Christian belief. This anticipation of the ultimate fulfillment of God's promises, when we will see Him "face to face" (1 Corinthians 13:12), provides comfort and purpose in the present. Even in the face of the unknown future, the declaration "Even so, it is well with my soul" stands firm. This echoes the promise of 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17, describing the Lord's descent and the gathering of believers, an event that assures the complete and final restoration of all things, confirming that true peace is found not only in enduring the present but in confidently awaiting the future with Christ. Nicole C. Mullen's rendition of "It Is Well" serves as a powerful spiritual anthem, reaffirming that through life’s trials, redemption, and the blessed hope of Christ’s return, the soul anchored in God can always declare, "It is well."