Yesterday I spent some time researching the story behind the hymn “It is Well.”
We were blessed to hear Kutless perform it live this weekend and I was stirred to dig a bit deeper…indeed the gentleman who penned these words drew close to the Lord in a time of unimaginable tragedy. He drew close and “learned the unforced rhythm of grace.”
If we all could “learn the unforced rhythm of grace,” it would indeed be “well….with my soul….”
Although the words “it is well with my soul” are not found in Scripture, Jesus told us…
“Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.” Matthew 11: 28-30
Really like this sweetie.
Beautiful! A great place to be: in His grace
Love this verse in the Message version. It is well….even in the hard times…if we just rest in his arms.
I have definitely had seasons of being burned out on religion. And other times, I’ve just been worn out by life. I love that He doesn’t chastise us for feeling that way, but tells us to come to Him — and to learn Grace.
Great design, too!
WOW – wonderful WFW today… I so needed this Scripture today! Thanks for continuing to bless us with your gifts!
Hugs & Prayers, HL
One of my favorite verses and I love the way it reads in the Message. Yes, I want to sit at the feet of Jesus and learn His Ways!
Lori, your graphic pulled out the exact phrase that stood out to me as I read that scripture.
how can we survive without God’s grace? thank God for His grace He freely gives us everyday.
Whoa…I’ve been missing out. I back tracked through your it is well saga. Good stuff girl…good stuff. Thanks! Thanks for encouraging me in my funky rhythm of grace today too! Love ya!!
Our Lord teaches so much in these verses, and I love how the Message phrases it; “Walk with me and work with me — watch how I do it.” That is what I long for and am purposing to do, to “learn the unforced rhythms of grace”. Horatio Spafford understood this. Thank you for sharing this today, Lori.
Blessings to you,
Laurie
That is one of my favorite hymns, & the story behind it makes it all the more powerful a proclamation . I love the way the rhythm of the color pattern illustrates this wonderful verse .
Blessings,
~Myrna
Ahhhhh, such sweetly encouraging Bible verses to rest in this week. Thank you
I love how The Message interprets that verse!!! I think sometimes we “claim” that verse and don’t look at the context … Jesus was talking to the Jews who were burdened by legalism!
“…learn the unforced rhythm of grace.” – I LOVE that!! I’m still trying to soak that in!!
Thanks, Lori! I hope your day is blessed and you feel His presence today!
Blessings Lori… I’m so delighted with “IT IS WELL” and you’re so spoiled (not really). I enjoyed hearing Kutless’ rendtion and though I knew the history of the hymn, it is great to be reminded and stirred by your dig and the blessing you had in seeing their performance.
I so love when you share The Message and choose a portion to emphasis with your graphics! (This is kinda like scrapbooking, isn’t it? I know little about this stuff). I just love how you draw from His Word and make connections! Your graphics really make His WORD stand out! Need to REST and find more of HIS GRACE! Thanks for sharing this!
Peace, love & grace,
Peggy
I love Kutless and that song! Them singing it is a plus!
I also looked up the story behind the song, It is Well With My Soul, and thoroughly enjoyed reading. God was so good to the author by giving him is words to this song. I believe He knew there would be others who would be blessed by it.
What a neat verse! Living freely and lightly – may that be us today!
The Message always makes me pause. Eugene Peterson is a poet at heart, and expresses Scripture in really fresh ways.
I believe the story behind “it is well with my soul” has to do with a gentleman facing tragedy on the Titanic? I know MY faith is not there yet… Hugs, e-Mom
Very timely reminder for me, Lori…love your graphic!
That was such a sad story, and he wrote that awesome hymn. Thanks for sharing that. Blessings ~
Love those words…”unforced rhythms of grace.” And you make them LOOK beautiful too!
I’m with Heather! Love the graphic and verse!
Blessings to you today!
Beautiful WFW!!! Have a bless weekend!!!
I love that translation of the verses in Matthew!