Trust and Obey

"Trust and Obey" is one of the most enduring and beloved hymns in Christian hymnody, encapsulating the essence of the Christian life in its title alone. Written in 1887, the hymn was the result of a powerful moment during a revival meeting conducted by evangelist Dwight L. Moody. The lyrics were penned by John H. Sammis, a Presbyterian minister and former businessman, while the music was composed by Daniel B. Towner, a prolific gospel musician and longtime music director for Moody’s evangelistic campaigns. The inspiration for the hymn came during a service in Brockton, Massachusetts, where a young man stood to share his testimony. Still inexperienced in his faith and unsure of theological language, the man simply stated, “I’m not quite sure—but I’m going to trust, and I’m going to obey.” Towner, who was present and moved by the young man’s sincerity, jotted the phrase down and shared it with Sammis, who turned it into a full set of lyrics. The resulting hymn, born from the lips of a humble believer, has since been sung by millions around the world as a call to simple, unwavering obedience to God.

The hymn’s message is clear and powerful: the pathway to joy and peace in the Christian life lies in trusting God’s word and obeying His commands. The refrain, “Trust and obey, for there’s no other way to be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey,” distills a fundamental biblical truth into a memorable phrase that can guide believers in all seasons of life. The hymn does not sugarcoat the Christian journey; it acknowledges that obedience to God may involve trials, suffering, and surrender. Yet, it also promises that God's presence will be our constant companion when we choose trust and obedience. This echoes Scripture like John 14:23, where Jesus says, “If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.” Similarly, passages such as Proverbs 3:5–6 and 1 Samuel 15:22 reinforce the dual importance of faith and obedience in the life of God’s people. These biblical principles are at the very heart of the hymn, and its words continue to guide Christians in their walk with Christ—encouraging them to live lives marked not by perfection, but by dependence and submission.

Musically, “Trust and Obey” employs a bright and lilting melody, one that invites congregational singing with a sense of joyful resolve. Daniel Towner’s composition complements the text perfectly, conveying both the simplicity and the strength of the hymn’s message. Over the decades, it has become a staple in revival meetings, worship services, baptisms, and even funerals—any context where the faith of believers is to be affirmed or encouraged. What makes the hymn truly timeless is its accessibility. Whether one is a seasoned theologian or a brand-new believer, the call to trust and obey speaks plainly to every heart. The hymn’s global impact has been substantial, having been translated into numerous languages and included in countless denominational hymnals. In a world where complexities often cloud spiritual focus, "Trust and Obey" remains a clear and steady guidepost, pointing to the simple yet profound truth that the Christian life is best lived in daily, humble surrender to the will of God.