‘TIS SO SWEET TO TRUST IN JESUS

It is quite interesting that so many hymns which have become a meaningful encouragement in the lives of others through several generations, actually originated out of significant tragedy.  The hymn entitled ‘TIS SO SWEET TO TRUST IN JESUS’, written by a most remarkable woman, is no exception.

Louisa Stead was born around 1850 at Dover, England.  As a youngster, she felt the call of God on her life for missionary service.  She arrived as a missionary in America during her early twenties in 1871 and lived for a time in Cincinnati, Ohio.  In 1875 she married Mr. Stead, and to this union was born a daughter, Lily. 

When Lily was 4 years old, they decided one day to enjoy the sunny beach at Long Island Sound, New York.  While eating their picnic lunch there was a sudden cry for help from a boy drowning at sea.  Mr. Stead immediately charged into the water, but as often happened, the fearful boy pulled his rescuer under with him and they both drowned.  In the ensuing days, Louisa struggled with God over why this had happened.  Flowing out of her pain and from deep in her soul came the meaningful truth she penned for this Hymn.

Louisa, with her daughter, went on to serve at missions in South Africa and Southern Rhodesia…even through personal ill health.  After she died in 1917, her hymn lived on in the hearts and voices of those she so faithfully served.  It continues today to point us to faith in God and to trust in His plan even in life’s most difficult times.