“Trust and obey, for there’s no other way to be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey” is the chorus of a popular song by Donald Moen, an American Christian worship singer. To trust and obey is linked to Christian faith. Trust is unwavering believe in the ability and absolute confidence in God. Confidence in God’s unchanging character that is based on His proven promises and trustworthiness. Obedience is the act of doing what God directs one to do. A submissive response to an order that is based on trust. Trust and obedience are two sides of a coin. Obeying God is an expression of trust in Him.

There is a thin line between to trust and to obey. To trust is an internal believe in what is said and known about God’s character and His instruction, while to obey is the external noticeable action of carrying out what is known about the character and instruction of God. Trust and obedience work together. Trust ignites obedience, obedience strengthens trust. Trust in God is pronounced especially when one is going through a difficult moment that seems impossible for God to sort out. It is in such situation that one’s trust and obedience is measured to know whether he will lean on his own understanding. (Prov.3:5-6)

When obedience is connected to trust in a person’s life, he comes to sweet relationship with God. He does what Jesus says, he goes to where Jesus sends him, he never fears, he only trusts and obey Him. Such person will call on God the Father in prayer and trust that He will answer. (Jer.33:3) He will in obedience ask in the name of Jesus with the trust that He will do it. (John.14:13,14) He will boldly approach the throne of grace, that he may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need. (Heb.4:16a) To approach the throne with boldness is an expression of asking from God with trust and assurance, while to pray in the name of Jesus is an expression of obedience to Jesus’ authority and His directive. Happiness comes to someone who is in deep relationship with God because he hears God’s word, trust the word and continues to act on the word. He put his trust in God’s word and lives his life in obedience to the word of God. He is happy because he is not a forgetful hearer but a doer. (James.1:25) God’s word becomes a lamp to his feet and light to his path. (Psalm.119:104) He is happy because whatever he does prospers. He is prospering because his mind is focused on God like a tree planted by the source of water and he is continually nourished by the word of God. (Psalm.1:3)

Dear brethren, there is sufficient evidence about God’s trustworthiness and faithfulness recorded in His Word. To trust and obey the Lord will become natural when you believe all that the Lord says about Himself and all that is said about Him in the Bible, and you make the revealed word the way of your daily living.

May you be prosperous and happy as you trust and obey Him in Jesus Mighty name. Amen

Shalom

Evangelism Put your trust in Jesus, do not lean on your own understanding. Beware of hidden dangers.

Rev. Shobayo Kayode The Gospel Study Centre