A young wife and mother, Louisa M. R. Stead, wrote it in the days following the tragic death of her husband; they were picnicking with their daughter near the ocean when they heard a drowning boy call for help. As she watched, her husband rushed in to save the boy, but was overcome as well and both drowned.
Mrs. Stead soon moved with her daughter to South Africa, where she served as a missionary for over 25 years. Ill health caused her to retire, and she died in Southern Rhodesia. The missionaries who served with her wrote: "We miss her very much, but her influence goes on as our five thousand native Christians continually sing this hymn in their native language."
Source: Amazing Grace: 365 Inspiring Hymn Stories for Daily Devotions by Kenneth W. Osbeck, (c) 2002
How often God uses our pain to bless others. Reflect on the sweetness of trusting in Him as you listen with me to this beautiful rendition by Casting Crowns:
'TIS SO SWEET TO TRUST IN JESUS
’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!”
Refrain:
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!
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!
(Refrain)
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.
(Refrain)
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.
(Refrain)Words: Louisa M. R. Snead, 1882
Music: William J. Kirkpatrick,1882
You'll find more songs for your Saturday here!
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22 comments:
One of my favorite hymns. I love to hear the stories behind the songs too. Loved this!
Linda, it is absolutely beautiful...what a great way for me to end my night. Thank you for the words behind it too!
Such a beautiful hymn, and such a touching story to go with it! Thank you for the uplifting reminder.
Some of these older hymms are so great. We don't hear them as much any more. Great pick.
I had never heard this performance by Casting Crowns...just one more reason to love them!
It's funny, I could not stop singing this hymn last weekend. You know how you get a song stuck in your head and you find yourself whistling or humming it all day long? Well, this was the song for me.
I love reading the stories behind the hynmns, because over and over I see that tragedy and strife brought these Christian men and women closer to the God they loved.
Xandra
Beautiful, do you know I had this very song on yesterday when I got some bad news?
This is a favorite of mine.
I've never heard the story behind the song...it makes the song come to life for me to hear why and how and when it was written! Thanks for sharing!
Blessings,
stephanie
I love this hymn, but didn't know the story behind it. Thank you for sharing that!!
I love contemporary versions of old hymns...Crowns' is great!
It would be so hard to be trusting after such a trauma. How wonderful that she turned to the Lord and to serving Him.
I have not heard this song in so long. Brings back memories of being a little girl in my home church. I can close my eyes and hear the voices of the people who have gone to be with our Saviour!
Thanks for the reminder.
Jesus, Jesus how I trust him!
This hymn has always been in my list of favorite hymns and this is an absolutely beautiful arrangement. Perfect listening for a quiet Saturday afternoon.
Oh Linda,
I've always loved this song, but never knew the story behind it!
Tears of joy, I was so touched and I'll think of this precious woman each time I hear this.
Thanks so much for sharing the story with us!!!
Blessings♥
I am so glad you shared the story behind this hymn. It gives a whole new feeling to a song when you know what inspired it. This generation is growing up with a whole new worship experience and I hope they will come to know the importance of these old hymns. This song will be replayed many times in my head today!
Kelley
I grew up singing this beloved hymn, and we still sing it today in our blended worship. The stories behind the writing of hymns really makes them come alive. Thank you for your music posts, Linda.
I loved Amy Grant's version of this hymn.
Thank you for sharing the story behind the hymn. This hymn has always been one that I sing the chorus to when I'm needing it....
Thank you. I love hymns - they lift our spirit and glorify God.
What a song that stands the test of time! It's a lullaby to sing to our little ones.
I just love Casting Crowns!
Love this. You are such a wealth of great information! It's one of the things I love about you!
Kelli
I love the old hymns. I wish we sand them more often. I had not heard the story behind this hymns writing. Our God is always faithful; we can trust Him through thick and thin.
Thanks for sharing.
Blessings,
Jenifer
So pretty. What a beautiful rendition. Who better else but Casting Crowns to do it justice.
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