The Gift of Suffering

101 More Hymn Stories carries this account of the writing of the classic hymn 'Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus:

In 1875, the author Louisa Stead married Mr. Stead and to this union was born a daughter, Lily. When the child was four years of age, the family decided one day to enjoy the sunny beach at Long Island Sound, New York. While eating their picnic lunch, they suddenly heard cries of help and spotted a drowning boy in the sea. Mr. Stead charged into the water. As often happens, however, the struggling boy pulled his rescuer under the water with him, and both drowned before the terrified eyes of wife and daughter. Out of her "why?" struggle with God during the ensuing days flowed these meaningful words from the soul of Louisa Stead:

'Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus, just to take Him at His word; Just to rest
upon His promise; just to know, 'Thus saith the Lord.'

I would have guessed these words were written in a parlor, being waited on by a servant while being fanned by an adoring son or daughter, without a care in the world. No, they were written in the deepest grief. Why is that?

Where is the comfort? In the simplicity of taking God at his word and the confidence in the character of God, knowing that 'thus saith the Lord,' means his decree for his glory and our good.