In the midst of life’s trials and uncertainties, the timeless hymn “It Is Well with My Soul” has provided comfort and inspiration to countless individuals.
Although the specific phrase “It is well with my soul” is not found verbatim in the Bible, the sentiment aligns with biblical principles of finding peace and trust in God despite difficult circumstances.
Let’s explore a selection of Bible verses that echo the profound message of surrender and confidence in God’s sovereignty expressed in this beloved hymn.
It Is Well With My Soul Bible Verse
Philippians 4:6-7 (NIV):
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
This passage from Philippians emphasizes the importance of prayer and gratitude in finding peace amid life’s challenges. The promise of God’s peace surpassing human understanding aligns with the assurance that all is well when we entrust our concerns to Him.
Isaiah 26:3 (NIV):
“You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast because they trust in you.”
Isaiah’s words underscore the connection between trust in God and the experience of perfect peace. The hymn’s declaration of a soul at peace finds resonance in the idea that steadfast trust in God brings about a profound sense of well-being.
John 14:27 (NIV):
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”
Jesus’ words in John 14 offer the gift of peace, a peace that transcends worldly circumstances. The hymn’s affirmation that all is well with the soul aligns with the comforting assurance of Christ’s enduring peace.
Psalm 46:10 (NIV):
“He says, ‘Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.'”
The call to “be still” in Psalm 46 echoes the hymn’s theme of finding tranquility in surrender to God. Recognizing His sovereignty brings about a profound sense of well-being, as expressed in the hymn’s powerful declaration.
Matthew 11:28-30 (NIV):
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
Jesus invites those burdened by life’s challenges to find rest in Him. The hymn’s proclamation of a soul at peace aligns with the promise that Christ’s yoke is easy, and His burden is light, offering solace and tranquility.
Psalm 23:1-3 (NIV):
“The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul.”
The familiar words of Psalm 23 paint a vivid picture of God as a caring shepherd who provides for and refreshes the soul. This imagery mirrors the hymn’s affirmation that, even in life’s challenges, the soul can find nourishment and refreshment in God’s care.
Romans 8:28 (NIV):
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”
The hymn’s declaration that all is well with the soul resonates with the assurance in Romans 8:28 that God works for the good of those who love Him. Even in the midst of challenges, there is a confidence that God’s overarching purpose will prevail.
Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV):
“Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”
The wisdom of Proverbs encourages us to place our trust wholly in the Lord, acknowledging that our understanding is limited. By surrendering to Him, we find the assurance that our paths will be guided and made straight. This aligns with the hymn’s theme of finding peace in complete trust in God.
Psalm 16:8 (NIV):
“I keep my eyes always on the LORD. With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken.”
The psalmist’s commitment to keeping their eyes on the Lord reflects a resolute trust that fosters stability. This assurance of not being shaken corresponds with the hymn’s affirmation that, despite life’s uncertainties, the soul can remain steadfast.
Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV):
“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.”
Jeremiah’s prophetic words assure us that God’s plans for our lives are rooted in welfare, not harm. The hymn’s declaration that all is well with the soul resonates with the overarching theme of God’s plans providing a hopeful and secure future.
Psalm 103:1-5 (NIV):
“Praise the LORD, my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name. Praise the LORD, my soul, and forget not all his benefits—who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion, who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.”
The psalmist’s exhortation to praise the Lord with all one’s being is rooted in the recognition of God’s abundant grace and benefits. The hymn’s acknowledgment that all is well with the soul aligns with the psalmist’s celebration of God’s forgiveness, healing, redemption, and satisfaction.
Psalm 34:8 (NIV):
“Taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him.”
The invitation to taste and see the goodness of the Lord echoes the hymn’s call to find refuge in God. As we experience His goodness, our souls can find rest and well-being, affirming the hymn’s timeless proclamation.
2 Corinthians 4:16-18 (NIV):
“Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.”
Paul’s words remind us that, even in the face of challenges, our inner selves can experience renewal. The hymn’s affirmation that it is well with the soul resonates with the perspective that our present troubles are temporary, and an eternal glory awaits.
Romans 15:13 (NIV):
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”
Paul’s prayer in Romans resonates with the hymn’s theme of peace and hope. Trusting in God leads to an overflow of joy and peace, echoing the hymn’s declaration that all is well with the soul, grounded in the power of the Holy Spirit.
Psalm 42:11 (NIV):
“Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.”
The psalmist’s self-reflection and redirection of the soul toward hope in God mirror the hymn’s call to find solace and praise in the midst of life’s challenges. This verse encourages a resilient spirit that acknowledges God as the source of ultimate hope and salvation.
Colossians 3:15 (NIV):
“Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.”
The call to let the peace of Christ rule in our hearts aligns with the hymn’s message of surrender and peace. Gratitude becomes a natural response when the soul finds tranquility in Christ, echoing the hymn’s refrain.
Closing Thoughts:
In the weaving together of these verses, we discover a beautiful mosaic of faith, peace, and hope. A mosaic that mirrors the essence of “It Is Well with My Soul.”
The hymn, like these verses, transcends time, offering a timeless message of assurance that, in the hands of a loving and sovereign God, all is well with our souls.
As the hymn has comforted and inspired generations, may these verses serve as a continual source of encouragement.
May the melody of hope and peace resound in our hearts, reminding us that, ultimately, our souls can find rest in the embrace of the One who holds the universe in His hands. In the symphony of life, may the refrain persist: “It is well, it is well with my soul.”