Trust and Obey
There were two hymns growing up that our song leader would most often choose to sing as we awaited baptismal service, and today’s hymn is one of them. Baptism demonstrates a willingness to Trust and Obey the Lord. After salvation, baptism remains as both the first step of obedience and an outward moment of dedication to the new life in Christ. Because of this hymn, I have connected trusting and obeying with the immediate act of obedience of a new believer – much less the rest of our walk with the Lord. For sure, this is one of my favorites over the years as I remember those who I have watched baptized just after singing it.
As you will see in the theology section below, I also connect this song to one of the central themes of our relationship with God through Jesus Christ.
Below you will find the lyrics, read a bit about the theology of the hymn, the story of the author, and be able to hear several renditions of this old, beautiful hymn. Sing along, if you like, and rejoice in the opportunity to join in with Just As I Am.
Trust and Obey Lyrics
1 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.
Refrain:
Trust and obey, for there’s no other way
to be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey.
2 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. [Refrain]
3 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. [Refrain]
4 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]
The Theology
As followers of Jesus Christ, our goal is simple and profound. “Trust and obey for there is no other way, to be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey.”
It reminds me of the way Solomon ends Ecclesiastes. Notice these profound words as well:
Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter:
Fear God and keep His commandments,
For this is man’s all.
For God will bring every work into judgment,
Including every secret thing,
Whether good or evil. (Ecclesiastes 12:13-14, emphasis added)
Did you notice the emphasized portion of the text? Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is man’s all. What does this essentially say to us?
Fear God means to trust God, respect Him, consider Him, and live in light of Who He is.
Keep His commandments means to obey Him.
For this is man’s all means that it truly is the conclusion of the whole matter in terms of our relationship with God. In other words, there is no other way.
The Author
John H. Sammis, author
John Henry Sammis (1846 – 1919) was born in Brooklyn, but moved to Logansport, Indiana when ye was 22, where he was converted to Christianity. He was active in the Y.M.C.A., serving as secretary for the Terre Haute Association and later becoming State Secretary. After this, he studied at Lane and McCormack seminaries and was ordained in the Presbyterian church at Glidden, Iowa. He also pastored churches in Indianapolis, Grand Haven, MI, Red Wing and St. Paul, Minn. In 1909 he became associated with the Los Angeles Bible Institute. Throughout his lifetime, he wrote more that 100 hymns, of which, Trust and Obey is by far his most beloved.
Enjoy This Media
Some groups singing the song from YouTube:
Here is Don Moen singing his version of Trust and Obey.
Here is an a cappella version of the song.
Congregational singing.
Here is the earliest published copy from Hymns New and Old: for use in Gospel meetings and other religious services, song #59 from 1887 [4]:
Here is a more modern version from my childhood hymnbook Favorite Hymns of Praise #365 [6]:
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