It is well with my soul - Rhianna Johnson

Teachers

WP

Wendy Pruitt

Brandon Price Teacher

JZ

Joelle Zeller

Richard Sutton Preacher

Lesson Summary

The class began with a personal introduction before moving into the history of the hymn “It Is Well With My Soul.” Rhianna Johnson described Horatio G. Spafford’s series of devastating losses—including the Great Chicago Fire and the shipwreck that took his four daughters—and how he wrote the hymn’s lyrics while sailing to meet his grieving wife. She linked Spafford’s response to biblical examples such as Job, noting that both turned to worship and trust in God amid overwhelming tragedy. The teaching then examined the hymn’s opening lines, relating the “peace like a river” image to Psalm 23 and the shepherd’s care, and contrasted it with the “sorrows like sea‑billows” theme, referencing 2 Corinthians 4:8‑9. Rhianna highlighted how the Psalms (especially Psalm 63:8) provide a lifeline when we feel overwhelmed, and she encouraged the class to find hope in God’s sustaining hand even when life’s waves threaten to drown us. The session closed with an invitation to apply the hymn’s truth to personal struggles, trusting that God’s peace endures beyond every trial.

Key Scriptures