Tuesday, June 26, 2007

Trusting God

As Louisa Stead, her husband, and their young daughter were enjoying an oceanside picnic one day, they noticed a young boy struggling in the surf. As the drowning boy cried out for help, Mr. Stead rushed to save him. Unfortunately, he was pulled under the waves by the terrified boy and both drowned as Louisa and her daughter watched helplessly from the shore.

In the sorrowful days that followed, the grief stricken widow began to put pen to paper and the result was a hymn known to millions:

Click Here to Listen

Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus,
Just to take Him at His Word;
Just to rest upon His promise,
And 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!
Oh, for grace to trust Him more!

Oh, 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 taking
Life and rest, and joy and peace.

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.


Oh that I can have that kind of a faith and trust!

(Story taken from God's Little Devotion Book for Moms, 2002)

3 comments:

Bonnie said...

I am amazed at how many great hymns have been born of tragedy. What a testimony they are to the paople who wrote them, that even though they were at the saddest/lowest point imaginable, they are still able to praise God!

Davene said...

I have loved this hymn for a long time, but did not know the history behind it. Thanks for sharing it!!!

Melissa said...

I love this song! I love sooo many hymns. I've decided I want "Blessed Assurance" song at both my wedding and funeral (I know, sounds crazy). But I just love the meaning!