'Tis So Sweet...

Saturday, October 22nd, 2011

Today's Passage> Ezekiel 34: 26-31
Memory Verse> Proverbs 3:5

’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!”

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;
And 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.

This hymn was written by a lady named Louisa M. R. Stead (1850-1917) who went through some heart-wrenching situations, as we all ultimately do. Born in England, she felt a strong urge to be a missionary. This urge became stronger when she attended a camp meeting after moving to the United States, but due to health issues, she had to lay those dreams aside. She met and married a Mr. Stead, who died in a drowning accident after only five years.

After heartache, we tend to harbor resentment against God. We may never say the words out loud, but He Who knows our thoughts can tell just where we are. God will allow us to go through the worst case scenario for a twofold purpose. First, He has to put our faith to the test, because only then will we be able to truly trust Him no matter how bad things get. I personally saw Him keep me from so many dangers when my life was not even submitted to Him. By the time I finally gave Him my heart, I realized He would still be the same God-- faithful no matter what. Second, He must develop in us the endurance to go as far as He needs us to go in order to get His glory out of us.

Although there were times after my conversion that I didn't see Him move with my natural eyes, I knew enough to hold on and never let go. It was in those moments when I didn't feel Him that I learned to trust that He was there. I've learned to walk by faith and believe that He will finish the good work He began in me and my loved ones. Louisa went on to do the very thing she never thought her health would allow: she was sent to South Africa to minister to the lost. If we can just stand on God's Word long enough for Him to prepare us for what we know He's put within us, He will bring our dreams to fruition. Did she even know that, more than 140 years later, God would still use her song to encourage believers to trust Him above all else? That's how serious He is about bringing about His purpose for those who will surrender their lives completely. Won't you trust Him today?

Prayer: Father, thank You for every valley experience. You taught me how to trust You when nothing seemed to go right. I ask now that You touch Your people who may be going through hard times. Cover them and let them know that You are there, and let the warmth of Your love reach them wherever they are. May this season of pain bring about Your plan and purpose in their lives forever. In Jesus' Name, Amen.