Trusting Jesus

The hymn "Trusting Jesus," also known by its first line, "Simply trusting every day," is a timeless piece of Christian devotion that encapsulates the essence of a steadfast faith in the Savior amid life's uncertainties. It was penned in 1876 by Edgar Page Stites, a man whose life and ministry deeply reflected the themes he wrote about. The music was composed by Ira D. Sankey, the renowned gospel musician closely associated with evangelist Dwight L. Moody. Together, their collaboration produced a hymn that has become a spiritual anchor for countless believers across generations, offering comfort and resolve through its gentle encouragement to trust in Jesus moment by moment.

Edgar Page Stites was born in 1836 in Cape May, New Jersey. He was a direct descendant of John Howland, one of the passengers of the Mayflower. Raised in a Christian home, Stites dedicated his life early to Christ and later served in the American Civil War. Afterward, he became active in ministry through the Methodist Episcopal Church, serving as a lay preacher and colporteur. His humble, evangelistic spirit and deep faith made him a beloved figure in the communities where he served. Like many hymn writers of his time, Stites had no grand ambition to gain fame. He wrote his poetry as a natural outflow of his personal devotion to Christ and his desire to encourage others in their walk of faith. "Trusting Jesus" emerged from this wellspring of quiet but resolute belief in God’s sovereignty.

The words to the hymn reflect an intimate trust in Jesus that transcends the noise and struggle of earthly life. The lyrics are not dramatic or complex but deeply tender in their simplicity. Phrases such as “Trusting as the moments fly, trusting as the days go by” point to the kind of faith that isn’t just for times of crisis, but a continuous, daily reliance on the presence and goodness of Jesus. This sentiment mirrors the instructions of Proverbs 3:5-6, which urges believers to “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” It also echoes the heart-cry of many saints who have chosen to walk by faith rather than by sight.

The hymn was first published in the collection Gospel Hymns No. 1, which was compiled by Ira D. Sankey in 1876. Sankey, who played a significant role in shaping evangelical worship in the late 19th century, was known for his ability to select melodies and hymns that spoke deeply to the heart of the average believer. His partnership with D. L. Moody brought the gospel message to multitudes, and his musical contributions helped solidify the role of gospel hymns in revival meetings. When Sankey came across the poem by Stites, he was moved by its quiet strength and devotional warmth. He composed a melody that was equally tender and serene, matching the lyrical tone with a gentle, flowing tune that made the hymn both singable and memorable. This melody has stood the test of time, remaining largely unchanged in hymnals even today.

The popularity of "Trusting Jesus" spread quickly in evangelical circles, particularly in North America. Its straightforward message resonated with Christians facing hardship and uncertainty—whether economic struggle, sickness, war, or the challenges of everyday life. The hymn reminded them that Christ is trustworthy not just in the grand scheme of eternity, but in the small, seemingly insignificant moments of daily living. This practical theology of trust became a spiritual balm, a reminder that Jesus walks with His people not just on the mountaintops but in the valleys, through routine days and unforeseen storms alike.

Interestingly, Edgar Stites himself once spoke of how little he expected the hymn to make an impact. He reportedly said that he had written it during a particularly introspective time and had not imagined that it would reach far beyond his local circle. He was genuinely surprised when Sankey included it in the hymnal and set it to music, and even more so when it became a favorite in Moody’s revival meetings. This modesty reflects the theme of the hymn itself—humble trust, quietly lived, rather than flashy displays of religion.

From a theological perspective, "Trusting Jesus" represents a form of faith that is not based on visible results or emotional highs but on a steady, unshaken reliance on Christ’s character. This kind of trust is not born from ease or abundance, but from the deep assurance of God’s promises and the repeated experience of His faithfulness. In this sense, the hymn stands in line with the teachings of Hebrews 11, which outlines the stories of those who lived “by faith”—not always seeing the fulfillment of the promises in their lifetime, but believing nonetheless.

One of the most powerful aspects of the hymn is how it leaves room for both joy and sorrow. It acknowledges that life is a mixture of ease and difficulty, of light and darkness. But regardless of circumstances, the believer’s response is the same: “Trusting Jesus, that is all.” This repeated refrain becomes a spiritual mantra, offering peace to the anxious, strength to the weary, and perspective to those overwhelmed by the complexities of life. It reinforces the idea that spiritual maturity does not always look like bold declarations or dramatic experiences but often appears in the quiet resolve to keep trusting, keep walking, keep following.

Today, "Trusting Jesus" remains a cherished hymn in many denominational hymnals and is still sung in churches, revivals, funerals, and personal devotional settings. It appeals to both the young and the old, the new believer and the seasoned saint. Its message is timeless because the human need to trust something greater than oneself never changes. And for the Christian, there is no one more worthy of that trust than Jesus Christ—faithful, compassionate, and sovereign.

In conclusion, "Trusting Jesus" stands as a monument to the kind of faith that sustains Christians through every season of life. Edgar Stites and Ira D. Sankey, through their collaboration, have given the church a treasure—one that reminds believers that even when they cannot see the path ahead, they can rest in the presence of the One who leads the way. This hymn does not promise that life will be free of hardship. Rather, it assures us that Jesus walks with us through it all, and that leaning wholly on Him is not just a good option—it is the only sure foundation. As the hymn so sweetly says, “Trusting Jesus, that is all.”