My Helpless Estate

It Is Well With My Soul is such a beloved hymn.  Penned in 1873 by Horatio G. Spafford, it was set to music three years later by Philip P. Bliss.  The verses are so meaningful:

      1.  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.

     2.   Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come,
           Let this blest assurance control,
           That Christ has regarded my helpless estate
           And hath shed his own blood for my soul.

    3.    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.

   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.

    Refrain:    It is well (it is well) with my soul, (with my soul)
                   It is well, it is well, with my soul.

I've noticed that sometimes the second verse is skipped when sang.  Many favor the third verse. And, it is beautiful. Those of us with torrid pasts and stupid mistakes need to be reminded that we are forgiven.

The second verse, though, is my favorite.  Because my need for God is so intense it brings me such comfort.  It reminds me that no matter what dreadful things come my way--heartache, grief, injustice,sickness or the like--Christ has already regarded that I'm powerless against them.  Helpless, for sure.  But, he has taken the matter into his own hands.  His work at Calvary is my only defense.

Sarah Young, the author of the devotional guide, Jesus Calling, pens that Christ says to us:

     "Your weakness does not repel Me . . . do not condemn yourself for your constant need of help.
       Instead, come to Me with your gapping neediness; let the Light of My love fill you."

Sounds like he just wants to help me. And, he is so able.  Be well, then, O my soul.