Newton helps us here with language to express the true joy and glory in life is found in Jesus—not just for the spiritual or religious side of life but for ALL of life. Seeing Jesus changes how I see nature, music, and weather. The greatest glory of creation is better with him; the worst can be completely transformed only if I have him and see him clearly. Christ is relevant to my gloom, my desires, and my fears. Newton presents no “Pollyanna” view of the Christian life; life has significant winters and clouds. But this hymn gives us such a productive, Christ-centered approach to life that we are moved to search for him and his contentment in every area and every situation of life.
lyrics
How tedious and tasteless the hours
When Jesus I no longer see;
Sweet prospects, sweet birds and sweet flowers,
Have all lost their sweetness to me;
The midsummer sun shines but dim,
The fields strive in vain to look gay.
But when I am happy in Him,
December’s as pleasant as May.
Chorus:
It is not well
It is not well
It is not well with my soul
Content with beholding His face,
My all to His pleasure resigned,
No changes of season or place
Would make any change in my mind:
While blessed with a sense of His love,
A palace a toy would appear;
All prisons would palaces prove,
If Jesus would dwell with me there.
Chorus:
It is not well
It is not well
It is not well with my soul
Dear Lord, if indeed I am Thine,
If Thou art my sun and my song,
Say, why do I languish and pine?
And why are my winters so long?
O drive these dark clouds from the sky,
Thy soul cheering presence restore;
Or take me to Thee up on high,
Where winter and clouds are no more.
Chorus:
It is not well
It is not well
It is not well with my soul
Make it well
Make it well
Make it well with my soul
credits
from Amazing Grace etc.,
released January 9, 2016
Commentary by Pastor Ross Durham
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