From A Young Man's Testimony to a Hymn, "Trust and Obey" 2

by

Arden Lambert

Updated

May 16, 2018

Updated

May 16, 2018

Updated

May 16, 2018
From A Young Man's Testimony to a Hymn, "Trust and Obey" 3
Photo credit: Youtube

“Trust and Obey.” Many sermons have been based on this three-word phrase which is also used as a hymn title. Then, the singing of the hymn at the end of the sermon usually follows. The impact that those three words have on people is so strong that many worshippers continue humming the refrain while heading home. Doing such would somehow lead them to imbibe the song’s theme. And accordingly, they are on their way to experiencing the rewards of trusting God’s words and obeying His will. As what Jesus said,

If anyone loves me, he’ll keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him (John 14:22).

The Hymn’s Writing Story

Many gospel songs were based on several Scripture passages and supplemented by personal reflections. In the case of this hymn “Trust and Obey,” there were no clear indications relative to its Biblical basis. However, the story that serves as the hymn’s main basis was clearly recognized. Such was documented by Ira D. Sankey on his biography, My Life and the Story of the Gospel Hymns. Sankey is a musical partner of Dwight L. Moody. During one of Moody’s revivals in 1886, Daniel B. Towner, who composed the hymn’s music, served as the music leader. He’s also the one who shared the following notes from Sankey:

“Mr. Moody was conducting a series of meetings in Brockton, Massachusetts, and I had the pleasure of singing for him there. One night a young man rose in a testimony meeting and said, ‘I am not quite sure—but I am going to trust, and I am going to obey.’”

Sankey has noted down the man’s statement and later sent it to the Rev. J. H. Sammis, a Presbyterian minister. He wrote the lyrics and Towner later provided the music. The hymn then was born. It was believed that Sammis wrote the lines of the refrain after receiving the letter.

Trust and obey—for there’s no other way
To be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey.

Folks, did this piece make your day? We would be glad to hear your thoughts or experiences related to the song. Likewise, please do not forget to hit the like button and share the inspiration with your friends and loved ones. Here on Country Thang Daily, we strive to bring you a daily dose of cutting-edge entertainment through country gospel music and their interesting stories.

To stay tuned, follow us on Facebook and Twitter. We’re also on Instagram and Pinterest.


Tags

Daniel B. Towner, Dwight L. Moody, Ira D. Sankey, Rev. John H. Sammis, Trust and Obey


Trending

UP NEXT

Latest Stories

Lisa Marie Presley’s Life of Legacy and Loss, Graceland’s Next Chapter
Bunnie XO Pictures: A Collection Of Her Hottest Looks Through The Years
Johnny Tillotson’s Fairytale-Like Cover of the Country-pop Hit “Send Me the Pillow You Dream On”
A Dive into “Talk Back Trembling Lips” Lyrics: Ernest Ashworth’s Hit Song 
Top 30 Country Songs This Week You Need to Hear
Does Jelly Roll Regret Having Face Tattoos? That and More Right Here

Country Thang Daily

>