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The phrase "it is well" is most famously known as the refrain of the Christian hymn "It Is Well With My Soul," written by Horatio G. Spafford. The saying generally expresses a sense of peace, acceptance, and trust in God's plan, even in the midst of tragedy and sorrow. The hymn's history The profound meaning of the phrase is tied to the remarkable story of its author: A personal tragedy: After losing much of his wealth in the Great Chicago Fire of 1871, Spafford planned a trip to Europe with his family in 1873. He was delayed by business but sent his wife and four daughters ahead on a ship. The shipwreck: While crossing the Atlantic, the ship collided with another vessel and sank. All four of Spafford's daughters perished. His wife, Anna, survived and sent a telegram to her husband that read, "Saved alone. What shall I do?" The powerful message: While sailing to meet his grieving wife, Spafford was inspired to write the lyrics to the hymn as his ship passed over the spot where his daughters had died. The words reflect his unwavering faith, beginning with the lines: "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.". Biblical background The phrase also has roots in a biblical story from the Old Testament: In 2 Kings 4:26, the Shunammite woman's son has just died. When the prophet Elisha's servant asks her if "it is well" with her, her husband, and her son, she simply replies, "It is well". This was not a statement that everything was fine, but rather an expression of hope and faith, trusting that God was in control despite her immense grief. Modern interpretation Today, "It is well with my soul" is a declaration of finding spiritual peace that transcends life's challenges. It is often used to convey: Resilience: A deep-seated calm that comes from trusting in a higher power, regardless of external circumstances. Faith over feeling: An acknowledgment that things may not be good in the physical world, but on a spiritual level, one's faith provides a sense of wholeness and assurance. Hope: The promise of divine comfort and eventual redemption, which helps one endure present suffering