- Growing up in the Church I have heard the old hymn Trust and Obey many times, but today may have been the first time that I've really heard it. Even though I used to read the words to many songs and sing them with my voice, that didn't always mean that I lived like I believed them to be true. Over the years and months away at college, God has really opened my eyes and my heart to understand who He is and what kind of response that demands of me. Songs have been a huge part of growing my faith and reminding me that my God is worthy of all I have. Let me share the lyrics to the hymn "Trust and Obey", then I'll share a few more thoughts.
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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.-
Trust and obey, for there’s no other way
To be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey.
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Trust and obey, for there’s no other way
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Not a shadow can rise, not a cloud in the skies,
But His smile quickly drives it away;
Not a doubt or a fear, not a sigh or a tear,
Can abide while we trust and obey. -
Trust and obey, for there’s no other way
To be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey. -
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 blessed if we trust and obey. -
Trust and obey, for there’s no other way
To be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey. -
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. -
Trust and obey, for there’s no other way
To be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey. -
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 -
Trust and obey, for there’s no other way
To be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey.
As we were singing this song this morning I felt the Lord pushing me to go to the altar up front. "Lord, I know You're here now and I understand this is what I have to do…trust and obey. It's what I want to do. I don't really know why I need to go up there, maybe only to respond and show that I'm listening – that I want to get it, to understand You. Ok, I'm going."
When my knees hit the floor it was so liberating to tell Christ that this is what I want…to continually trust Him and obey. I don't have to know what's coming, it doesn't matter. My circumstances do nothing to change my reaction to my Lord….whatever comes I must trust and obey. In a way, this seems tough – to follow at any cost, to be unsure of future plans and places – but on the other hand it's really easy. I don't make the plans, I am not responsible for people's decisions to follow Jesus or to reject Him – I am simply to trust that Jesus knows what He's doing, that His Holy Spirit will not lead me anywhere I am not supposed to be and to obey Him in sharing his Name with all people. He is worthy of my trust regardless of my personal feelings, safety, or comfort. In trusting Him, I obey Him in whatever he asks and in that I will be satisfied – not necessarily comfortable, safe or happy – but overjoyed, filled-up, alive and satisfied.
I am so thankful that Christ met me at the altar this morning; He meets me wherever I am. Not only that, but he provided a loving friend to wrap her arms around me and pray such a sweet prayer that offered tons of encouragement to me. What an affirmation that He will bless us beyond imagination if we'll but trust and obey daily.
Trust and obey, for there’s no other way
To be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey.
