Reflections: ‘Trust and obey,’ with gratitude

I’m starting a new First5 Bible study, “30 Bible Verses Every Christian Should Know.” It includes not just the verses themselves, but the context, and why it is helpful to commit them to memory or at least a strong awareness, in order to recall them when “life happens.” 

Many recent studies indicate that anxiety is off the charts, especially among young people. Most of us are not immune, as we deal with not only daily concerns and job stress, but also major life events and heavy losses. It seemed appropriate that the opening verse for the study is Philippians 4:6-7, “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” 

I memorized that verse years ago, and more recently, read Max Lucado’s “Anxious for Nothing,” but a good reminder is always appropriate. It’s tempting to wake up each morning with a list of worries and to-do’s, utter a quick prayer asking God to bless my agenda, and then stress over it. This verse is a reminder to spend time in prayer and God’s Word before I even glance at that calendar page, allowing the Holy Spirit to infuse guidance and peace into the day’s cares, large or small. Have I accepted a load that is not mine to carry? If I’m facing a challenge I didn’t ask for, like bad health news or the tragedy of loss, am I forgetting that I don’t have to face it alone? This verse reminds us that God’s peace is available in the worst, best and busiest of times, when I present my petitions to Him. 

One of my mom’s favorite hymns expresses the concept well. “Trust and Obey,” composed in 1886, quickly became well-known and likely brought hope to many during subsequent decades that included war and the Great Depression. 

“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.”

The hymn doesn’t pretend everything will go well, though, as expressed in these lines: 

“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 blessed if we trust and obey.” 

Visiting the nursing home during my dad’s last months, I was amazed as people in their 80s and 90s, who had been through a LOT in their lifetime, joyously sang the chorus: 

“Trust and obey, for there’s no other way 

To be happy in Jesus, 

But to trust and obey!”