Hymns of Hope: ‘Tis So Sweet
Many of the hymns were born out of immense sorrow. In this series, we will examine these songs of old, discover the circumstances behind when they were written, and find comfort in the lyrics that so powerfully point us to the hope of Christ.
Hearing or singing hymns from my childhood is like a warm blanket to my soul. There is such a comfort and peace that comes with recalling truths in the form of familiar music. “Tis so Sweet to Trust in Jesus” is one of these songs for me. It’s as if I’m transported right back to my home church, sitting in an orange pew with the matching carpet under my tiny feet and the beautiful stained glass window behind the choir in front of me.
The history behind this lovely hymn is both heartbreaking and incredibly inspiring. It was written by Louisa M.R. Stead after she and her young daughter witnessed the tragic death of her husband. Louisa used these lyrics to share with the world how trusting Jesus carried her through the trials and tribulations of her life.
‘Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus,
And to take Him at His word;
Just to rest upon His promise,
And 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!
“Sweet” has become one of my favorite words. Some might even accuse me of overusing it. I crave it! In times of grief or sadness I often find myself reaching for chocolate, cookies, ice cream, or anything else that’s… sweet! Why is this? Why does my body want all things sweet during the difficult moments? Maybe it’s because after going through seasons of immense pain and loss, something sweet, whether in the form of the Word or food brings me comfort.
When I conducted a quick google search of the word “sweet” the definition it produced was “having the pleasant taste characteristic of sugar or honey; not salty, sour, or bitter.” Psalm 119:103 says, “How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth.” Just as in the hymn, the Psalmist is declaring that the Word of God is sweeter than honey. Sweeter even than chocolate or ice cream! To trust in Jesus and to rest on the promises found in God’s Word is a sweet, sweet thing. Daily feasting on and delighting in God’s Word brings comfort and peace.
O how sweet to trust in Jesus,
Just to trust His cleansing blood;
And in simple faith to plunge me
Neath the healing, cleansing flood!
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!
Louisa wrote these lyrics while grieving her husband, and they can serve as a reminder to us, as mommies that are missing our babies, that we do not grieve without hope. Because of the blood of Jesus, those who choose to put to their faith in Him, can look forward to an eternity without pain or sadness—a day when we experience complete and eternal healing. What a gift! What a grace!
“For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.”
Romans 8:18
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.
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!
“Life and rest, and joy and peace.”
These are words that can feel so allusive for those that have lost someone they love. The lack of sleep that often results from being in the throes of grief can leave you feeling exhausted. You wonder if you’ll genuinely laugh or smile again. Will that knot in your stomach ever go away? These things that you so long for—life, rest, joy, and peace—are there, sweet mommy! It might take some time, and the process may be gradual, but when you put your trust in Jesus you will find life and rest and joy and peace in Him!
“But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.”
Isaiah 40:31
- Kacie Hunt
Hope Mom to Isaac
Kacie lives in Austin, Texas, and is the mommy of three precious daughters on earth and a sweet baby boy in heaven. She loves reading, coffee dates with her husband, Jonathan, and traveling with her family. She is passionate about helping women grow in biblical literacy and theology and is the cohost of the Adorned Podcast. She also blogs at www.kaciehunt.com.
We would be honored to share your story as a Hope Mom on our blog. On Saturdays we feature Hope Moms’ stories in order to showcase God’s faithfulness even in the midst of such deep sorrow. If you would like to have your story shared on our blog for this purpose, learn more and submit here.
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