Mr. Stites’ poem first appeared in a newspaper in 1876.  It found its way to the hands of evangelist D. L. Moody, who in turn asked his associate, Ira Sankey, to compose a suitable tune for the words.  The hymn was widely used in the Moody-Sankey evangelistic services, and through the years Christians have responded to the implicit, child-like faith expressed so well in this simple but inspiring hymn.

The writer of the hymn was a faithful member of the Methodist church in Cape May, New Jersey.  After serving in the Civil War, he worked as a riverboat pilot and later as a home missionary in the Dakotas.  The song has a powerful message.  Here are the verses and chorus.

Simply trusting ev’ry day, trusting thru a stormy way; even when my faith is small, trusting Jesus – that is all.

Brightly does His Spirit shine into this poor heart of mine; while He leads I cannot fall, trusting Jesus – that is all.

Singing if my way is clear, praying if the path be drear; if in danger, for Him call, trusting Jesus – that is all.

(Chorus)  Trusting as the moments fly, trusting as the days go by; trusting Him whate’er befall, trusting Jesus – that is all.

“Simply trusting every day” along a “stormy way,” “in danger” when “the path is drear” “if the way is clear” – what a valuable lesson for each of us to learn.  We are so prone to look ahead in life to see how our problems will be solved or where our path will lead.  We waste much time and energy in worrying instead of simply trusting, delighting, and committing our way to the Lord.

That’s how to find His strength and wisdom to face our problems and responsibilities for tomorrow and all the days ahead.