All Must Be Well

How do we sing songs proclaiming a confident faith when we feel uncertain of God's presence in difficult circumstances? Surprisingly, the author of the hymn we sang Sunday might have had the same struggle.

The hymn "All Must Be Well" was written in the mid-nineteenth century by Mary Bowley, also known as Mary Peters. Bowley published the hymn first in 1847, in a volume called Hymns intended to help the Communion of Saints. I'm a big fan of this hymn for a few reasons. First, I like the musical arrangement by Matthew Smith. It is simple to learn, it is a very comfortable range to sing, and it's in a guitar friendly key (woohoo!). More than that, though, it proclaims truth that brings me comfort when I sing it. It reminds me that:
 

... God's grace/favor is free and unchanging. (Eph 1:3-14)
... That we have a hope that does not fail. (Heb 10:23)
... God gives us what we need. (Phil 4:19)
... As we lean in to Christ, he helps us grow and "produce fruit." (John 15:5)
... God sustains us through hard times. (Ps 23:4)
 

A third reason I love this hymn is because, though it might sound like pie in the sky, the assurance and comfort of faith expressed in the song comes from a life familiar with pain and loss. Mary was born in 1813 in Gloucestershire, England. The rector there was John McWilliam Peters. He left in 1825 to become vicar of other Anglican churches. But he returned and at some point—I couldn't find the year—married Mary Bowley. Sadly, John Peters died in 1834, when Mary was only 21. She lived a widow until she died in 1856 (at just 43). She wrote 58 hymns, including "All Must Be Well" and other titles proclaiming hope and joy: "Lord, We See the Day Approaching" and "With Thankful Hearts We Meet, O Lord," for examples.

Mary was deeply familiar with grief and loss. It is a surprise to me that she wrote such songs that so confidently sings of the promises of God for those who believe. And it reminds me that often we need to speak or sing truth even when we can't perceive that truth in the moment. Even if I don't feel that "all will be well" in a particular moment, it's true: through the saving work of Christ, all of creation is being redeemed, including our lives, our struggles, our hard times. Singing a song of God's promises is like praying for God to continue to move. Your will be done, God! Redeem! Come quickly, Lord! In doing so, we remind those around us and ourselves that God is faithful.

What songs do you sing to remind yourself that God is faithful and true?