We sang “It is well with my soul” this morning, only I couldn’t sing. I know that I have security in Christ (and I praise God for it daily), but it felt right to be silent when there are so many souls for whom it is terribly unwell.

I was reminded of Numbers 32 when the tribes of Reuben and Gad were given their land and invited to settle into it. God had given them the land of Gilead, their long-awaited portion of the promised land. Understandably, they wanted to settle into their security and begin a new life on their new land. Yet, Moses called them out for their short-sighted self-absorption:

“Shall your brothers go to war while you sit here? Why will you discourage the heart of the people of Israel from going over into the land the Lord has given them?” (Numbers 32: 6–7).

Though their inheritance was settled and secure, that of their brothers was not yet. There was work to be done. After Moses’s questions, the leaders responded, “We will not return to our homes until each of the people of Israel has gained his inheritance” (Numbers 32: 18).

From the Christian perspective, the inheritance of the people of the Lord is no longer attached to a parcel of land; rather, it is attached to the person of Christ. Christians hang their hope on Him and await his second coming when he will establish a new heaven and a new earth in which righteousness dwell (2 Peter 3: 13).

That being said, there is a principle to be gleaned from the Gaddites and Reubenites: we ought to work and pray towards the eternal security of the other sheep that are not yet in the fold of God (John 10: 14–16). Though it is well now with our souls, it is not yet well with theirs.

In a time when it is natural to want to turn away, overwhelmed by seeming powerlessness, let us be disturbed to the point of desperate prayer- for our God is not powerless and the prayers of the righteous have great power as they are working (James 5:16b).

How Can It Be Well with My Soul?

How can it be well with my soul
When it isn’t well with theirs?
How can I hoard this peace
As war through their land tears?

Despite my eternal security in You,
Isn’t it right to be disturbed? 
For, though secure in the godhead,
By our plight You were perturbed. 

You descended into our chaos 
To buy with blood our calm;
Yet I am tempted to turn away
When I know Your healing balm?

How can it be well with my soul
When it isn’t well with theirs?
How can I sing a song of my peace 
While ignoring their awful affairs? 

Disturb me, Lord, disturb me,
Until prayer becomes near-pain.
Kneed me to plead until they bow,
Loving loss because Christ is gain.

You will not rest, Good Shepherd,
Until every sheep of Yours is home.
Help us put our peace to work,
Make us agents of Your shalom.

How can it be well with my soul
When it isn’t well with theirs?
When my soul feels powerless,
I’ll offer broken-hearted prayers.