obedience

trust

discipleship

Trust and Obey

John H. Sammis 1887 Tune: Trust and Obey (6.6.9.D with refrain)

A simple call to walk in the light through faith and obedience.

Quick Answer

A simple call to walk in the light through faith and obedience. Written by John H. Sammis (1887), set to the tune "Trust and Obey" by Daniel B. Towner.

Suggested pairing scripture

1 Samuel 15:22

"And Samuel said, Hath the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams."

Read 1 Samuel 15:22 (KJV) aloud as a call to worship before the congregation sings "Trust and Obey." It anchors the hymn in the Word from which it flows.

Read in context

When to sing this

Sing at the close of a service as a hymn of response, during altar calls, baptisms, and seasons of personal rededication.

Lyrics

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

Stanza 2

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.

Stanza 3

Not a burden we bear, not a sorrow we share, But our toil He doth richly repay; Not a grief nor a loss, not a frown nor a cross, But is blest if we trust and obey.

Stanza 4

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.

Stanza 5

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.

History & Background

Daniel Towner, song leader at a D. L. Moody meeting in Brockton, Massachusetts in 1886, heard a young convert testify, 'I am not quite sure — but I am going to trust, and I am going to obey.' He wrote the line down, sent it to John Sammis, and the resulting hymn was published in 1887.

Scripture Behind the Hymn

1 Samuel 15:22

"And Samuel said, Hath the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams."

Read in context

1 John 1:7

"But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin."

Read in context

Frequently Asked Questions

What testimony inspired Trust and Obey?

A young man at a Moody meeting in 1886 said, 'I am not quite sure — but I am going to trust, and I am going to obey.' Daniel Towner wrote it down and sent it to John Sammis, who built the hymn around the line.

Related Hymns

Other hymns that share themes or scripture with Trust and Obey.

Leaning on the Everlasting Arms

Elisha A. Hoffman · 1887

'Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus

Louisa M. R. Stead · 1882

Be Thou My Vision

Ancient Irish (attributed to Dallán Forgaill) · 8th century

Related Reading

Continue your study with related content from across our library:

Trust and Obey

John H. Sammis • 1887

Bible Verses About Obeying God

10 curated KJV verses

Take My Life and Let It Be

Frances R. Havergal • 1874

Bible Verses About Discipleship

10 curated KJV verses

Genesis 12:1 Commentary

In-depth study • Faith & Obedience

Matthew 7:21 Commentary

In-depth study • True Discipleship

Where to go next

Enjoyed "Trust and Obey"? These pages pair well with it for worship planning.

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