I know that I know that I know.

As I listen to Nicole Mullen sing "Redeemer," I am reminded of how much God loves us even when we suffer.

On my mind this weekend is my very close friend whom, last week, experienced the very sudden loss of her brother. He was a young husband, father, son, brother, and friend. We stood by this family as any friends would do, but there was this ache in my heart for what I felt I just couldn't do to comfort them.

As I think about how their healing begins, I am reminded of the first few lines of one of my favorite hymns:

When peace, like a river, attendeth my way,
When sorrows like sea billows roll;
Whatever my lot, Thou has taught me to say,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.

In 1873, Horatio Spafford wrote the words to the hymn "It is Well with My Soul" after the tragic death of his four daughters. In the midst of his sorrow, he wrote it on the ocean while sailing near the spot where his daughters died.

And Lord, haste the day when my faith shall be sight,
The clouds be rolled back as a scroll;
The trump shall resound, and the Lord shall descend,
Even so, it is well with my soul.