In 1886, while leading the music for evangelist D. L. Moody during a series of meetings in Brockton, Massuchusetts, Daniel B. Towner was struck by a simple comment made by a young convert: "I am not quite sure--but I am going to trust, and I am going to obey." Towner jotted down the comment and mailed it to the Rev. J. H. Sammis, who developed the thought into the well-known hymn, "Trust and Obey."
The hymn beautifully reflects the perfect balance found in the believer's relationship with Christ. Notice the if/then pattern to the lyrics: If we do his will, then he abides with us... and showers us with untold blessings along the way. Our relationship is not without cost--we must trust and we must obey--but as we toil to do so, he repays us with true happiness in him. As you worship, remember to praise him whose blessings invariably exceed our efforts to trust and obey.
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 nor a fear, not a sigh nor a tear
Can abide while we trust and obey
Not a burden we bear, not a sorrow we share
but our toil He will richly repay
Not a grief nor a loss, not a frown nor a cross
but is 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 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
Chorus:
Trust and obey for there's no other way
To be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey
(from the Praise and Worship Study Bible)