By Cindy Smith
“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! Oh, for grace to trust Him more!”
We are living in perilous times in this great nation. Daily, we must apply strength, courage, and an unbreakable trust in the Almighty God. We must keep the principles and virtues that made us a great nation if God is to continue favoring us. One of those principles is unwavering trust in Him. Proverbs 3:5 encourages us to “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart and lean not unto thine own understanding.”
Louisa M.R. Stead composed the lyrics to the above hymn during the lowest time in her life. Accompanied by her husband and 4-year-old daughter Lily, they travelled to Long Island, New York. During a family picnic near the banks of water, they heard a drowning little boy’s cries for help. Her husband quickly swam out to rescue the little boy. Tragically, they both drowned as Louisa and Lily looked on in horror. It was from this tragic experience that she penned these words: “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.”
Do you have the courage to place absolute trust in God like the songwriter? It is easy during pleasant times, but how about when it is time to stand for what we believe? The Bible tells us that we will suffer persecution – but to be of good cheer. When we live pleasing to God, we can wholeheartedly place our confidence and reliance in Jesus.
Another verse in the hymn says, “Yes, ‘tis sweet to trust in Jesus, just from sin and self to cease.” He cares for us, but we are expected to do our part. I John 2:28 “And now, little children abide in him; that when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming.” Full trust in Jesus is built over time and comes from a life that trusts Him not only for the little things but also for life’s larger issues.
Isaiah 26:3-4 – “Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee. Trust ye in the Lord forever: for in the Lord Jehovah is everlasting strength.” Indeed, it is so sweet to fully trust in Jesus.
