While preparing a PowerPoint presentation of the words for my wife's offertory, I came across the background of the writing of the hymn that she had chosen to play in this morning's worship service. I found that this very familiar hymn was written as a result of a personal tragedy. I really wasn't surprised because I have found that many of our favorite hymns have been penned in times of grief. "'Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus" was written by Louisa M. R. Stead in 1882, out of one of her darkest hours — the tragic drowning of her husband. Louisa Stead was born in England and later felt the call of God upon her life for missionary service. She arrived in America in 1871. Louisa married and the Steads had a daughter, Lily. When the child was four years of age, the family decided one day to enjoy the sunny beach at Long Island Sound, New York. While eating their picnic lunch, they suddenly heard cries of help and spotted a drowning boy in the sea. Mr. Stead charged into the water to try and save the boy. As sometimes happens, the struggling boy pulled his rescuer under the water with him, and both drowned before the terrified eyes of wife and daughter. And out of her struggle with God during the ensuing days, flowed these meaningful words — "Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus." As you meditate upon these words this week, be reminded that trusting in Jesus is the only sure way to face the difficulties of life. And as we do that we find that He is always there to provide the rest and peace that we need in every situation. And as her last verse says, He will never leave us - He'll be with us until the end.
(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.
Chorus:
Jesus, Jesus, how I trust Him!
How I've proved Him o'er and o'er!
Jesus, Jesus, precious Jesus!
Oh, for grace to trust Him more!
(2) How I love to trust in Jesus,
Just to trust His cleansing blood.
Just in simple faith to plunge me
'Neath the healing cleansing flood!
Chorus:
Jesus, Jesus, how I trust Him!
How I've proved Him o'er and o'er!
Jesus, Jesus, precious Jesus!
Oh, for grace to trust Him more!
(3) Yes, I've learned to trust in Jesus,
And from sin and self to cease,
Now from Jesus simply taking
Life and rest and joy and peace.
Chorus:
Jesus, Jesus, how I trust Him!
How I've proved Him o'er and o'er!
Jesus, Jesus, precious Jesus!
Oh, for grace to trust Him more!
(4) I'm so glad I learned to trust Him,
Precious Jesus, Savior, Friend,
And I know that He is with me,
He'll 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!
Oh, for grace to trust Him more!
Listen to it here. LISTEN
No comments:
Post a Comment