1. 'Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus, Just to take Him at His word; Just to rest upon His promise, Just to know, 'Thus saith the Lord.' 2. O how sweet to trust in Jesus, Just to trust His cleansing blood: Just in simple faith to plunge me 'Neath the healing, cleansing flood! 3. 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. 4. I'm so glad I learned to trust Him, Precious Jesus, Savior, Friend; And I know that He is with me, Will 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!
Lyrics: Louisa M. R. Stead
Music:
William James Kirkpatrick
Tune: TRUST IN JESUS
Meter: 8.7.8.7. with Refrain
Louisa M. R. Stead, c. 1850–1917
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 I 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 twenty-five years of fruitful service, Louisa was forced to retire because of 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 to trust simply in her Lord.