The timeless hymn TRUST AND OBEY was written by John H. Sammis in 1887 and set to music by Daniel B. Towner. The inspiration for this hymn was from a young man who gave testimony at Dwight L. Moody’s revival. According to the report, the young man said, “I am not quite sure—but I am going to trust, and I am going to obey.” Ira D. Sankey was singing for Moody at that revival. He made a jotting of the young convert’s line and sent it to the Reverend J. H. Sammis who built up the lyrics. The lines of the song suggest that the only way to be happy in life is to trust and obey God.
“…obedience will grant us access to the good things of life. Make a pact with God this early period of the year to obey Him, and do not forget to ask for the grace to keep your word.”
How important is obedience to God? Clues can be found all over the scriptures. God blessed Abraham because of his obedience. “In your seed all the nations of the earth shall be blessed, because you have obeyed My voice.” (Genesis 22:18 NKJV). This blessing was trans-generational. The reason was for the same obedience. “And I will make your descendants multiply as the stars of heaven; I will give to your descendants all these lands; and in your seed all the nations of the earth shall be blessed; because Abraham obeyed My voice and kept My charge, My commandments, My statutes, and My laws.”” (Genesis 26:4-5 NKJV). On the flip side, because of disobedience, Saul lost the throne and eventually died miserably. Our text makes it clear that obedience will grant us access to the good things of life. Make a pact with God this early period of the year to obey Him, and do not forget to ask for the grace to keep your word.