July 21, 2005

Have faith in God –
Your name He knows;
Have faith in God –
Each path He chose;
Have faith in God –
Right to the close.
Have faith, dear friend, in God.

'Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus

Louisa M. R. Stead, c. 1850-1917

    In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will, in order that we, who were the first to hope in Christ, might be for the praise of his glory. Ephesians 1:11, 12.

    Out of one of the darkest hours of her life--the tragic drowning of her husband--a young mother proclaimed through her tears, "'Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus...and to know that Thou art with me, wilt be with me to the end."
    As Louisa Stead, her husband and their little daughter were enjoying an ocean side picnic one day, a drowning boy cried for help. Mr. Stead rushed to save him but was pulled under by the terrified boy. Both drowned as Louisa and her daughter watched helplessly. During the sorrowful days that followed, the words of this hymn came from the grief stricken wife's heart.
    Soon after this Mrs. Stead and her daughter left for missionary work in South Africa. After more than 25 years of fruitful service, Louisa was forced to retire due to ill health. She died a few years later in Southern Rhodesia. Her fellow missionaries had always loved 'Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus and wrote this tribute after her death:

We miss her very much, but her influence goes on as our five thousand native Christians continually sing this hymn in their native language.

    Out of a deep human tragedy early in her life, Louisa Stead learned simply to trust in her LORD. She was used to "the praise of His glory" for the remainder of her life. Still today, her ministry continues each time we sing and apply the truth of these words.

’Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus,
And to take Him at His Word;
Just to rest upon His promise,
And to know, “Thus says the Lord!”

O how sweet to trust in Jesus,
Just to trust His cleansing blood;
And in simple faith to plunge me
’Neath the healing, cleansing flood!

Yes, ’tis sweet to trust in Jesus,
Just from sin and self to cease;
Just from Jesus simply taking
Life and rest, and joy and peace.

I’m so glad I learned to trust Thee,
Precious Jesus, Savior, Friend;
And I know that Thou art with me,
Wilt be with me to the end.

Chorus:
Jesus, Jesus, how I trust Him!
How I’ve proved Him o’er and o’er
Jesus, Jesus, precious Jesus!
O for grace to trust Him more!

Have Faith in God by H.M.S. Richards, Used by Permission