Trust and Obey United Methodist Hymnal #467

Words: John H. Sammis, 1887; Music: Daniel B. Towner 1887

Though written in 1887, it was not until 1897 that “Trust and Obey” first appeared in a Methodist Hymnal. It has been a staple of worship ever since. The refrain is catchy and can get stuck in one’s head if not careful.

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

In this time of pandemic, it can be difficult to trust let alone obey. The social media sources are full of inaccuracies, if not out right lies. Who do you trust? I trust God.

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.

Whether you are on the front lines of this battle or waiting it out at home know that God is with you and He will reward your trust and obedience.

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.

As the burdens mount: doctors fight to save lives, the scientist struggle to find a cure and a vaccine, the teachers invent new approaches to learning, and partnering with parents. As the sorrows overwhelm: death tolls climb, solitude turns to isolation. Trust that God will reward our toils, all this will be blest if we 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.

Are we prepared to lay all that we have on the altar? To surrender all our worldly treasures for a deeper faith and union with God? Abraham prepared to sacrifice his own son, not because he was willing, but because he was obedient to God. Abraham’s obedience was rewarded when God provided a ram for sacrifice in place of Abraham’s son.

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.

So, I will trust God has a plan. I will obey his command. I will go where he sends me, knowing he is there beside me to guide me.