Trust and Obey

Returning to an old hymn today. Last Sunday, this was our theme in KidzWorship. Trust and Obey. 


As often happens, our motions included the sign language for "trust" and "obey." With three different songs on the same subject matter, we did those motions a lot, and I started wondering why. 

Why is this the sign for trust? 

 

Why is this the sign for obey?

 

So, trust is like you are grabbing a life line, a rope and holding on to it. The illustration doesn't show it, but we do this motion right over our heart.

For obey, you are making an o at your forehead, then a b as you reach up to heaven.

An interesting truth there. Trust comes from your heart. Obedience is a choice you make in your mind. Neither comes naturally or easily. Both have to be learned and practiced. And practiced. And practiced.

On Trust ...

Psalm 28:7

New International Version (NIV)

7 The Lord is my strength and my shield;
    my heart trusts in him, and he helps me.
My heart leaps for joy,
    and with my song I praise him.

On Obedience ...

John 14:23-24

New International Version (NIV)

23 Jesus replied, “Anyone who loves me will obey my teaching. My Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them. 24 Anyone who does not love me will not obey my teaching. These words you hear are not my own; they belong to the Father who sent me.

On both ...

Isaiah 50:10

New International Version (NIV)

10 Who among you fears the Lord
    and obeys the word of his servant?
Let the one who walks in the dark,
    who has no light,
trust in the name of the Lord
    and rely on their God.

And the song that started this whole thought process ... lyrics by John H. Sammis

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.

Not a shadow can rise, not a cloud in the skies,
But His smile quickly drives it away;
Not a doubt or a fear, not a sigh or a tear,
Can abide while we trust and obey.

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 blessed 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, for 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.

I have been singing this song in church since before I could see over the back of the pew. My Dad was the music minister at the church I grew up in, and this must have been one of his favorites because I remember singing it often, probably 1st, 2nd and last verse. 


But today, how that 3rd verse grabs my heart. Not a burden, not a sorrow, not a grief, not a loss, not a frown, not a cross goes unblessed if ... IF ... we TRUST and OBEY.

Do you trust God? Will you obey Him?

I'm gonna ask one more time. 

Do you trust God with everything? Will you obey Him in all things?