Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus

"'Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus" was written by Louisa M.R. Stead, likely around 1882, following one of the most traumatic experiences imaginable. According to tradition, Stead and her husband and young daughter were at a beach on Long Island when they witnessed a boy drowning. Her husband rushed into the water to save the child but was pulled under by the panicking boy, and both drowned before her eyes. Left a widow with a young daughter and almost no means of support, Stead found herself utterly dependent on God's provision and faithfulness. Out of that crucible of grief and trust came this hymn, with its tender affirmation: "'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.'" William Kirkpatrick composed the gentle, reassuring tune that perfectly matches the spirit of simple, hard-won trust that permeates the lyrics. Stead later went on to serve as a missionary in South Africa, living out the trust she wrote about. The hymn has comforted countless believers facing their own moments of devastating loss and impossible trust.