Taught to Know: It Is Well
In the traditional hymn It Is Well with My Soul , Horatio Spafford writes, “Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to know, it is well, it is well with my soul.” The phrase, “taught me to know,” prompts us to reflect on a settled truth. Jesus gives that truth in John 16:33 , not promising a trouble-free life but teaching us to be of good cheer because He has overcome. This victory grounds the believer in peace. It is truly well with the soul that belongs to Him. This peace is not the denial of tribulation; it is confidence in Christ while tribulation is present. In 2 Kings 4:26 , the Shunammite woman is asked whether all is well with her and her family. Her answer is, “It is well.” Those words are not spoken because everything around her looks well. They are spoken from a faith that looks Godward. Christ has overcome a world that brings tribulation. He has answered the guilt of sin. He robbed death of its final word. Therefore, “it is well” is not wishful thinking; it is the settled ...