One hundred and thirty years ago, author John Sammis and composer Daniel Towner teamed up and introduced to the church a composition that became a familiar hymn. Although we have entered 2017, not 1887, the lyrics of this song, “Trust and Obey” speak to us today.
“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.”
“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.”
“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.”
“But we never can prove the delights of His love, until all on the altar we lay;
For the favor He shows, and the joy He bestows, are for them who will 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.”
Refrain: “Trust and obey, for there’s no other way. To be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey.”
May our minds learn to trust God in whatever unfolds throughout this new year. May our wills be enacted to obey our Lord each step of the way. The faith journey travels the paths of obedience.