Trust and Obey

I remember sitting in church at a young age listening, singing the song Trust and Obey. I loved listening to the song, hearing the words, and later harmonizing with the music. I knew the words, but I don’t think I really understood them until later in life when I went through more trials and had my faith tested.

When we walk with the Lord
In the light of His word,
What a glory He sheds on our way!
While we do His good will,
He abides with us still,
And with all who will trust and obey.

Last night, I was resting in bed unable to fall asleep due to all of the thoughts running through my mind. Suddenly, this song popped into my head, and I began to really think about the words.

Trust and obey, for there’s no other way
To be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey.

I couldn’t help but smile as I remembered some fond memories of days gone by. I remembered certain individuals and families from the church of my youth. I remembered my mom as she sang at church. I thought about my adopted grandfather at church. (A older gentleman who looked after our family and spoiled us with fresh juice, fruits, and veggies. Each week, he gave us 50 cents at the church service. He even helped us with some science projects.)

Not a burden we bear,
Not a sorrow we share,
But our toil He doth richly repay;
Not a grief or a loss,
Not a frown or a cross,
But is blest if we trust and obey.

After the memories had finished flowing through my mind, I started to go over the words of the hymn in my head, line by line, word by word. A peace fell over me. It was the Lord’s way of telling me “I’ve go this… Trust… Obey my Word…”

But we never can prove
The delights of His love
Until all on the altar we lay;
For the favor He shows,
For the joy He bestows,
Are for them who will trust and obey.

Sleep started to fall over me as I began to pray for others, for my family, for me. Even though we want to follow His will, we sometimes doubt ourselves – wondering if we’ve done the right thing, gone the right direction.

Then in fellowship sweet
We will sit at His feet,
Or we’ll walk by His side in the way;
What He says we will do,
Where He sends we will go;
Never fear, only trust and obey.

D reminded me that as long as we’re actively seeking His will and trying to follow His will in our lives we will be okay. We may not always get it right, but the Lord can use even our mistakes for His good, for His purpose. With the words of the song and my prayers running through my mind, I fell into a deep slumber.

Trust and Obey written by John H. Sammis, 1846-1919, music by Daniel B. Towner, 1850-1919.

This post was featured in The Christian Home Magazine Issue 82.