'Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus
A widow's testimony to the sweetness of resting wholly upon Christ.
Download PDFA widow's testimony to the sweetness of resting wholly upon Christ. Written by Louisa M. R. Stead (1882), set to the tune "Trust in Jesus" by William J. Kirkpatrick.
Suggested pairing scripture
Psalm 84:12
"O LORD of hosts, blessed is the man that trusteth in thee."
Read Psalm 84:12 (KJV) aloud as a call to worship before the congregation sings "'Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus." It anchors the hymn in the Word from which it flows.
Read in contextWhen to sing this
Sing at funerals, memorial services, hospital visits, and any time the congregation needs the consolation of God's presence.
Lyrics
Stanza 1
'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.' 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!
Stanza 2
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!
Stanza 3
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.
Stanza 4
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.
History & Background
Louisa Stead wrote the hymn shortly after her husband drowned trying to rescue a boy at Long Island Sound, leaving her with a small daughter and almost no income. In her grief and the unexpected provision that followed, she penned the words. William Kirkpatrick composed the tune. Stead later served 25 years as a missionary in southern Africa.
Scripture Behind the Hymn
Proverbs 3:5
"Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding."Read in context
Frequently Asked Questions
What tragedy inspired this hymn?
Louisa Stead's husband drowned attempting to save a boy at Long Island Sound. In the depth of her grief and unexpected provision afterward, she wrote the verses as her own testimony of trust.
Related Hymns
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Related Reading
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Where to go next
Enjoyed "'Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus"? These pages pair well with it for worship planning.
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