The song “’Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus” was born out of great heartache and adversity. Its author, Louisa M.R. Stead, was born in England in 1850, and moved to the U.S. as a young adult. After marriage, she and her husband settled in the New York City area and had a daughter named Lily. When Lily was a young child, the family went to Long Island Sound to enjoy a picnic. But tragedy struck. A boy was drowning in the nearby water, and Mr. Stead jumped in to save the lad. Both died in the struggle.
With no solid way to support themselves, Louisa and Lily became destitute. One day, with no food in the house, having prayed that the Lord would provide their needs, Louisa answered a knock at the door and discovered a basket full of food, along with money to meet other needs. In 1882 Louisa wrote these words:
‘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!”
Refrain
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!
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!
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.