"It is Well"

I'm writing this at the school library... I feel so coffee house-ish.

Hehe, I kinda like it.

Anyway, 2 nights ago we were having a bible study at Haley's house and we stumbled across alot of things as we read in 2 Peter. A passage we were working on:

2 Peter:

5For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; 6and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; 7and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love.

We discussed how we liked the fact it was like a flowchart, and it is. It's a progression leading up to love itself. We also thought about it in reverse-- from love to brotherly kindness, from brotherly kindness to godliness; and so on. We discussed each transistion and how one step built up to the next step, and it really spoke to me.

But after that, we strolled outside and occupied the middle of the street, only having Joe's guitar, our COA songbooks, and ourselves to provide the music. It was SO good to just be under God's glowing creations we label as 'stars' and under that raw worship.

One of the songs we sang was "It is Well", a classic & favorite hymn of mine. The Lyrics:

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

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!
(Refrain)

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)

The whole song spoke to me, but I think verse 4 was written in bold letters across my mind. Especially with this sadness linguiring inside of me; it was a great reminder that I don't have to be sad. I have a great, solid relationship with God; and I couldn't ask for anything more. And sadness will come and go, but God stays... forever.

It is WELL with my soul. <3

--Chrissy Z