‘Tis So Sweet

Louisa Stead could have been bitter about the way her life had developed. Born in England in 1850, she felt called to be a missionary but her frail health prevented her from going to the field.

Then she moved to America, where she was married in 1875. But instead of the bliss she might have expected, she watched as her husband drowned while trying to rescue a boy who was swimming by the beach. After this tragedy, she finally was able to leave for the mission field in 1880, serving for years in both South Africa and Rhodesia.

Yet through these trials, Louisa Stead learned to trust in Jesus.

In 1882, Louisa wrote a hymn about what Jesus had meant to her during life’s difficulties: “‘Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus, and to take Him at His Word; just to rest upon His promise, and to know, ‘Thus says the Lord!’” She learned to trust Him because she had “proved Him” over and over again. But she wanted a deeper walk with Him: “O for grace to trust Him more!”

She knew that His blood had cleansed her from every sin. When she trusted in Him, He gave her “life and rest, and joy and peace.” She could look back on her life and rejoice because of what Jesus had done for her: “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.”

Today, remember that you can trust in Jesus. His promises are true for you. He loves you. He has a plan for your life. Do not resist Him. Just take Him at His Word. Trust in Him for your needs!