I used to love a version of this song that Amy Grant sang back in the 80's. I think that was probably my introduction to this powerful song. I didn't go to a church that sang a lot of traditional hymns, mostly just stuff written in current times. Occasionally we'd bring out the Old Rugged Cross or Amazing Grace. Fast forward to now... The church I go to sings blends of old and new hymns, so I am being reintroduced to some songs that are solid and mostly new to me. I've heard of many of them, but because I never really sang them, they are fresh to me.
Recently, we've been singing 'Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus during our worship service. This song has struck a chord with me. Line by line, it all points back to Jesus, and isn't that what it's really all about? I have several lines that are "favorites", but I especially love in the first verse "Just to rest upon His promise, and to know, "Thus saith the Lord!"
It's truly trusting in His word when you believe what He says. There are plenty of examples in the bible when "Thus saith the Lord" was written and then whatever the Lord said was done. Imagine having that kind of faith. Just knowing that because God promised it, you believe it and know it will come to pass. It's not blind or misleading, it's truth that God can not lie. He will not withhold his promises from those who trust in Him.
One of the passages in the bible that reminds me of this kind of trust is Mark 11:22-25.
22 And Jesus answered them, “Have faith in God. 23 Truly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be taken up and thrown into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that what he says will come to pass, it will be done for him. 24 Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. 25 And whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone, so that your Father also who is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.”
I love it. Jesus simply answers them - "Have faith in God." That's it. No other agenda. No other check lists. No other giving requirements. Nothing. Just have faith in God. The disciples were being taught this just as much as we are now. Jesus had cursed a fig tree the day before and when they got to that tree the next day, it was withered down to it's roots. They were amazed. Jesus wasn't surprised because he already said no one would eat the fruit of that tree again. He said it. I pray that I can reach that level of trust to know that what Jesus says is just truth. To trust that having faith in God is all we need, and that God holds all we need in Him.
Lord, I believe, help my unbelief! Help me to have this kind of trust in you, in your word! Remind me of your faithfulness time and again. Help me to remember all of your acts of unfailing love toward me. Father God, help me to be unwaivering in my faith. Give me a soft heart, but one that is strong enough to trust fully in your word at all times, good and bad. Help me to have compassion on others, to be wise about your business, God, and to remember your word in each season. I hide your word in my heart, O God, that I might not sin against you. Create in me a clean heart and renew a steadfast spirit in me. Thank you God, for being so faithful, for being a God we can trust and rely on in all times and through all things. I praise you, Jesus! I love you Lord! Amen!
- ’Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus,
Just to take Him at His Word;
Just to rest upon His promise,
And to know, “Thus saith the Lord!”- Refrain:
Jesus, Jesus, how I trust Him!
How I’ve proved Him o’er and o’er;
Jesus, Jesus, precious Jesus!
Oh, for grace to trust Him more!
- Refrain:
- Oh, how sweet to trust in Jesus,
Just to trust His cleansing blood;
And in simple faith to plunge me
’Neath the healing, cleansing flood! - 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. - 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.
