One of the most well-known and beloved hymns of the Christian faith is,

It is Well with My Soul, written by Horatio Spafford in the wake of the unexpected deaths of all four of his daughters in a single shipwreck.

Spafford composed the words to that great hymn as he fought to trust God in the midst of what could truly be

described as unimaginable suffering. In her own way, Johnny Erickson Tata has faced unimaginable

suffering as well. And similarly, her faith and perseverance in the midst of trials has been

an inspiration and encouragement to Christians all around the world.

In her new book, Songs of Suffering, Johnny reflects on 25 hymns that have been a ballast to her throughout her life,

guiding listeners through their own painful seasons with heartfelt praises to God.

Today we're pleased to share Johnny's introduction to the book and her reflections on

that wonderful hymn, it is well with my soul. Let's get started. Crossway presents

Songs of Suffering, 25 hymns and devotions for weary souls. Written and read by Johnny Erickson Tata.

Before you begin,

Have you ever wondered when Jesus sang?

We can be sure he did in the synagogue during Shabbat or at religious festivals in Jerusalem.

I can see him as a boy standing with his family in the

temple court, gazing up at the Levites who led everyone in song. Certainly he was taught to sing

the halal during Jewish Passover. Every good Jewish boy sang those Psalms. Singing must have

come naturally to Jesus. Did he hum a psalm when he worked in

his father's carpenter shop? Surely he knew scores of hymns, written by Asaph, David's choir master.

Walking with his disciples in a stiff sea breeze along the shores of Galilee,

was Jesus the one who would be the first to strike up a tune?

Did the others chime in?

...