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Trust and Obey
Hymn by John H. Sammis
Introduction:
The hymn “Trust and Obey” teaches a
principle at the very core of Christianity: our walk with God is founded
on trusting His will and obeying His word. This song
emphasizes the inseparable relationship between faith and obedience,
a truth often forgotten or dismissed in modern religious thinking. Many
wish to trust without obeying, or obey without truly trusting. But both
are essential. As Hebrews 5:9 says of Jesus, “He became the author of
eternal salvation unto all them that obey him.” Trusting God means
we believe in His promises, His power, and His goodness. Obeying God
means we respond to that belief by living according to His word,
regardless of cost or consequence.
The hymn does not suggest that trust
and obedience remove all hardship. In fact, it reminds us that sorrows
may still come, clouds may still arise, and paths may still seem
uncertain. Yet it affirms that “our toil He doth richly repay”
and that the Christian can find peace and joy even in trial by walking
closely with Christ.
“Trust and Obey” is more than a
sweet tune; it is a declaration of the Christian life. It calls us to
step away from pride, doubt, and self-will—and to humbly follow the
Savior wherever He leads. Only then do we enjoy the sweet fellowship of
His presence. This hymn is a beautiful reminder that our relationship
with God is not theoretical—it’s practical, tested, and proven every day
by how we live: by trusting and obeying.
Stanza 1 – Obedience Illuminates
the Path and Brings Fellowship
“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.”
This opening stanza reveals the
glory of divine companionship that accompanies the obedient walk. The
imagery draws from Psalm 119:105, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and
a light to my path.” It assures us that when we align ourselves with
the light of God's word, we not only gain direction but also experience
the radiant presence of God. Trust is not passive—it is demonstrated by
“doing His good will,” and in return, God abides with us. The fellowship
of God is conditional upon our faithful walk. 1 John 1:7 affirms that
walking in the light brings continued fellowship with the Father and His
Son. This first verse sets the foundation: trust and obedience invite
God's active presence in our lives.
Chorus – The Only Way to
Spiritual Joy and Peace
“Trust and obey, for there’s no
other way
To be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey.”
This chorus encapsulates the message
of the entire hymn: joy in Christ is not attained through partial
commitment or surface-level belief. John 15:10–11 echoes this sentiment,
linking obedience to divine love and joy. The world tells us to pursue
happiness through self-gratification, but Jesus offers a better way—joy
through trusting submission. The Christian life, though sometimes
difficult, leads to peace that passes understanding. The chorus is both
a declaration and an invitation: there is no other way to joy and
peace in Jesus.
Stanza 2 – God’s Favor Drives Out
Fear and Doubt
“Not a shadow can rise, not a
cloud in the skies,
But His smile quickly drives it away;
Not a doubt nor a fear, not a sigh nor a tear,
Can abide while we trust and obey.”
This stanza highlights God’s
sovereign care and comforting presence. It reminds us of Isaiah 41:10,
where God says, “Fear not, for I am with you.” Faithful obedience
doesn’t eliminate all trouble but brings divine assurance through it.
His “smile”—a metaphor for His favor—banishes fear and sorrow. Doubts
and tears may come, but in the company of Christ, they lose their sting.
A faithful heart is guarded by God’s peace (Philippians 4:6–7). The
Christian who trusts and obeys finds shelter in God’s comforting
presence.
Stanza 3 – Burdens and Suffering
Are Not Wasted
“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.”
Even the burdens of life are
transformed through obedience. 2 Corinthians 4:17 reminds us that
“our light affliction... works for us a far more exceeding and eternal
weight of glory.” The burdens shared in obedience become channels of
blessing. God redeems every sorrow, every hardship, and every cross when
borne faithfully. Romans 8:28 assures us that “all things work
together for good” when we live according to God's purpose. The
Christian who endures with trust will find divine reward—both in this
life and in eternity.
Stanza 4 – Full Surrender Unlocks
Divine Joy
“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.”
This verse calls for wholehearted
surrender. Romans 12:1 urges believers to present themselves as living
sacrifices—fully given to God. Many claim to love God yet withhold parts
of their life. This stanza teaches that the full experience of God’s joy
and favor is reserved for the fully surrendered. To “lay all on the
altar” is to trust God with every decision, every desire, and every
outcome. Jesus promised in Mark 10:29–30 that sacrificial faith would
bring both present and eternal blessings. The blessing follows
obedience.
Stanza 5 – Fellowship and
Fearless Discipleship Through Obedience
“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.”
The final stanza paints a picture of
peace and purpose found in obedience. Luke 6:46 asks, “Why do you
call me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do what I tell you?” The true follower
listens and acts. The Christian’s reward is intimate fellowship with the
Lord—not just in eternity, but here and now. Obedience leads to
spiritual confidence, fearless evangelism, and joyful surrender to God’s
purpose (Matthew 28:20). With trust in His wisdom and obedience to His
word, we find fearless faith and steadfast joy.
Sermon Outline:
- Introduction: Trust and Obey
as Core of Christian Life
- Salvation is for those who
obey (Hebrews 5:9)
- Trust and obedience go hand
in hand
- Obedience proves faith and
brings fellowship
- Stanza 1: Light from the
Word Brings Glory and Fellowship
- Walking in light of His
word brings God’s presence (Psalm 119:105; 1 John 1:7)
- Doing His will results in
divine companionship
- Chorus: Happiness in Christ
Through Trust and Obedience
- Obedience leads to joy
(John 15:10–11)
- The only path to spiritual
fulfillment is obedience to Christ
- Stanza 2: Divine Favor
Overcomes Fear, Doubt, and Sorrow
- God’s presence removes fear
(Isaiah 41:10)
- Trusting and obeying leads
to peace (Philippians 4:6–7)
- Stanza 3: Obedience Redeems
Suffering and Trials
- Every burden has purpose
when borne in obedience (Romans 8:28)
- Eternal reward from
temporary suffering (2 Corinthians 4:17)
- Stanza 4: Full Surrender
Unlocks Full Blessing
- Sacrifice leads to divine
favor (Romans 12:1; Mark 10:29–30)
- True joy belongs to those
who give their all
- Stanza 5: Fellowship,
Courage, and Purpose Through Obedience
- Intimate walk with God now
and eternally (Luke 6:46; Matthew 28:20)
- Fearless obedience comes
from trust
Call to Action:
Let us examine our walk with the
Lord. Are we truly trusting Him? Are we obeying His word in every area
of life? The message of this hymn is clear: we cannot claim the joy of
Christ without submission to His will. Trust Him with all your heart,
and obey Him with all your life. There’s no other way.
Scripture Reference List:
- Hebrews 5:9
– Jesus is the author of salvation for those who obey.
- 1 John 1:7
– Walking in the light ensures fellowship with God.
- John 15:10–11
– Obedience leads to abiding in Christ’s love and joy.
- Philippians 4:6–7
– Trust and prayer lead to divine peace.
- Isaiah 41:10
– God’s presence removes fear.
- Romans 8:28
– God works all things for good for the faithful.
- 2 Corinthians 4:17
– Suffering produces eternal glory.
- Romans 12:1
– Present your body as a living sacrifice.
- Luke 6:46
– True lordship demands obedience.
- Matthew 28:20
– Jesus is with us always as we go where He sends us.
- Mark 10:29–30
– Sacrificial obedience is rewarded by God.
Song History:
“Trust and Obey” was written by
John H. Sammis in 1887, with music composed by Daniel B. Towner.
The song was born out of a testimony heard at a Dwight L. Moody
evangelistic meeting, where a young man said, “I am not quite sure—but I
am going to trust, and I am going to obey.” These simple, heartfelt
words inspired Sammis to pen the verses, and Towner provided the tune.
Churches of Christ have long embraced this hymn for its powerful,
scriptural message and emphasis on obedience as essential to faith.
Prepared by David Hersey of the
church of Christ at Granby, MO
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The
church of Christ
