This hymn was written by Horatio G. Spafford after two major traumas. 

The first was the great Chicago Fire of October 1871, which ruined him financially. 

Shortly after, while crossing the Atlantic, all four of Spafford’s daughters died in a collision with another ship. Spafford’s wife, Anna, survived and sent him a telegram which said “Saved alone.” 

Several weeks later, as Spafford’s own ship passed near the spot where his daughters died, the Holy Spirit inspired these words. They speak to the eternal hope that all believers have, no matter what pain and grief befall them on earth.

When Peace Like A River 150516

Andrew Hart