This hymn, learned in church when I was a child, drives my will forward when God calls my husband and I to take what feels like huge risks. When His voice rings clear, we obey to sit still, dig in, or step out, praying He’ll strengthen us to remain surrendered as He works out His good and perfect will. Over years of repetitively walking by faith, and seeing how God works things out, we have gained confidence to anchor ourselves in His grip.
Yet often, I grow weary when the journey winds longer and longer, much longer than I had anticipated. I digress to fear and tears like a whiney baby. I resist rejoicing in worship, which is to resist His comfort, peace, and rest. I become malnourished thinking, worrying, and problem-solving on my own instead of seeking wisdom in the daily bread of His sustaining Word. I grow faint due to the natural consequences of my choices. The enemy tempts me to sulk, sink, and slip away, as if I am a victim. WAKE UP! I repent. I am being a rebellious sinner. Oh Jesus, I’m so sorry! You offer joy and contentment in complete contrast to trying circumstances, if only I will pause with you, partake of you, and ponder in you. YOU ARE ALL I NEED!
I’m still learning to let go of my desire to control when the way He takes us seems mysteriously slow. I cry out, “What is going on here?” I’m a dreamer and a visionary. I want to know what’s next. I’m impatient for the next step, the next assignment, the next accomplishment, the next…
All at once, I realize I’m missing things. Like the Amazing Race, which my husband and I love to watch, the participants are often blinded from the incredible geography, people, breadth and meaning of culture all around them, as they race for a prize that only one team can win.
God is trying to teach me something here:
FIRST, my desire to hurry Him along every single step of the way is distracting me from seeing the sights, the people, and the work He is doing today, in this hour, in this minute.
SECOND, without that important pit stop every morning, how do I know if I am keeping in step with Him? Maybe I am following His next instruction, or maybe I’ve created my own to do list. Without time to rest and refresh, to read the clues carefully, and ask any questions I have, I won’t know for sure. I won’t see the signs: YIELD, ONE WAY, WRONG WAY, FALLING ROCKS, CURVE AHEAD, DEAD END, FREEWAY ENTRANCE. I might miss today’s assignment because I am hyper-focused on tomorrow’s dreams.
THIRD, the incredible fact about this race we run as the body of Christ, is that Jesus, Author and Finisher of our faith, already won the race for us! Every single one of us crossing the finish line is going to receive a prize!
Oh, slow me down, Lord. What do you have in mind, today?
Here are the lyrics to Don Moen’s beautiful hymn, 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.
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, nor a fear, not a sigh, nor a tear, can abide while we TRUST AND OBEY. Oh
TRUST AND OBEY for there’s no other way, to be happy in Jesus, but to 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.
TRUST AND OBEY, for there’s no other way to be happy in Jesus, but to TRUST AND OBEY .