It Is Well With My Soul is a hymn written by Horatio Spafford and composed by Philip Bliss. First published in Gospel Songs no. 2 (1876). This hymn appeared in a wide variety of Christian fellowships.
(Horatio Spafford, world.wng.org)
This hymn was written after a tragic events in Spafford's life. The first was the death of his son at the age of two and the Great Chicago Fire of 1871, which ruined him financially. Spafford was a successful lawyer and had invested significant amount in property in Chicago that was damaged by the great fire. 2 years after, his business interests were hit by the economic downturn of 1873, He had planned to travel to Europe with his family on SS Ville du Havre at that time. He then changed his plan and sent his family ahead while he was dealing with the problems caused by the Great Chicago Fire.
(The Great Chicago Fire of 1871. britannica.com)
SS Ville du Havre sank after a collision with the Loch Earn sea vessel while crossing the Atlantic Ocean, and causes the lost of the lives of all four of Spafford's daughters. Anna, his wife survived and sent him the "Saved alone..." famous telegram. And when Spafford traveled to meet his grieving wife, he was inspired to write these beautiful words as his ship passed near the location of where the SS Ville du Havre sank and cause the loss of his four daughters.
(SS Ville du Havre. i.pinimg.com)
This hymn has a powerful meaning for me personally. Spafford wrote a really strengthen lyrics for this hymn. I was in love with this hymn even before I know the backstory of this hymn. It shows how strong Spafford is, and how faithful he is for the values he believe in his life, which is God, despite what happens to his life. That story was tragic! and I don't think I can be that strong if that was me who experience that kind of unfortunate events. I don't consider myself as a religious person, but this hymn really gets me, and I often found my tears shed when I was listening to this hymn. It uplifts me in my down days. It tells me to believe in something good, despite how bad things happen in my life. The lights will shine, just hold on a little longer.
And here's a beautiful rendition of this hymn by the talented Audrey Assad.