‘Tis So Sweet To Trust In Jesus

There were two hymns growing up that our song leader would most often choose to sing as we awaited baptismal service, and today’s hymn is one of them. Baptism demonstrates a willingness to tell the world that we trust in Jesus. After salvation, baptism remains as both the first step of obedience and an outward moment of dedication to the new life in Christ. Because of this hymn, I have connected the joy of trusting in Jesus with the immediate act of obedience of a new believer – much less the rest of our walk with the Lord. For sure, this is one of my favorites over the years as I remember those who I have watched baptized just after singing it.

Jesus, Jesus, how I trust him! O for grace to trust him more!

Below you will find the lyrics, read a bit about the theology of the hymn, the story of the author, and be able to hear several renditions of this old, beautiful hymn. Sing along, if you like, and rejoice in the opportunity to join in with ‘Tis So Sweet To Trust in Jesus.

‘Tis So Sweet To Trust In Jesus Lyrics

The Theology

I hope you enjoyed reading over the lyrics above. Look at these themes and consider how they set the foundation for your walk with God.

‘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 talking life and rest, and joy and peace.

As you will see in the story below, this song came out of deep sorrow. When life is upside down, when things are tough, and when we work through a day of adversity, we look heavenward in song helping convince our hearts of the truth that never changes…

Jesus, Jesus, how I trust Him! How I prove Him o’er and o’er!
Jesus, Jesus, precious Jesus, oh for grace to trust Him more!

There have been days in my life where I have sang this song loud and brokenhearted. I sang it loud so that my heart would hear it and believe.

 

The Author

Louisa M. R. Stead, author

Louisa M. R. Stead (1850-1917). Born in Dover, England, and converted at the age of nine, Stead came to the United States in 1871, living in Cincinnati. She attended a camp meeting in Urbana, Ohio, where she dedicated her life to missionary service. Ill health prevented her from serving initially. She married in 1875, and the couple had a daughter, Lily. Hymnologist Kenneth Osbeck describes a major turning point in the family’s life:

“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. As often happens, however, the struggling boy pulled his rescuer under water with him, and both drowned before the terrified eyes of wife and daughter. Out of her ‘why?’ struggle with God during the ensuing days glowed these meaningful words from the soul of Louisa Stead.”

The hymn, “’Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus” was inspired by this personal tragedy.

Soon after, Lousia and Lily left for the Cape Colony, South Africa, where Louisa worked as a missionary for fifteen years. She married Robert Wodehouse, a native of South Africa. Because of her health, the family found it necessary to return to the United States in 1895. Wodehouse pastored a Methodist congregation during these years until, in 1900, they returned to the mission field, this time to the Methodist mission station at Umtali, Southern Rhodesia (present day Zimbabwe). [1]

 

Enjoy This Media

Some groups singing the song from YouTube:

Here is the hymn version of Susan Whisnant, Austin Whisnant, and Jim Brady with the Greater Vision hymn sing.

Here is a country version of the song.

Traditional congregational singing.

 

Here is the earliest published copy from Songs of Triumph: adapted to prayer meetings, camp meetings, and all other seasons of religious worship, song #46 from 1882 [4]:

Here is a more modern version from my childhood hymnbook Favorite Hymns of Praise #241 [6]:

 

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