The story behind the old hymn ‘Tis So Sweet To Trust in Jesus’ is a difficult one, full of wisdom and life lessons. The hymn was written by Louisa Stead in the 1800s. She wrote it after her husband rushed in to the ocean to save a drowning boy. Unfortunately he was pulled under the waves by the terrified boy, and her husband and the boy both drowned. Louisa worked through her struggle with God and seemed to come to a sense of peace and trust in God. In that process she 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.” I’m so glad I learned to trust Thee, precious Jesus, Saviour, friend; and I know that Thou art with me, wilt be with me to the end’. It’s astounding that, in the middle of grief, Louisa could resolve to take God at His word, and believe in His love and plans for her life. It’s a great example to us that it is still possible to trust God even when things look like they’re as bad as can be. He’s always working for us, even in the darkest times, to bring about the very best outcome. Romans 8:28 tells us ‘that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.’ (NIV). God is looking to bring good from all things, not just some. Even when we face opposition and the most difficult of circumstances, we can trust God to bring peace, hope, and good things to our lives again.

What Now?

Look up and copy out the following verses: Nahum 1:7, Isaiah 26:3, 2 Samuel 22:31, Psalm 31:19. Put them up somewhere to remind you to trust that God is always good.