To David and Elaine,

Paul was addressing the Jews who were trying to get the Gentiles to be circumcised in order to be saved. The Jews were trying to gain righteousness and justify themselves through their own circumcision rather than faith through Jesus Christ (Rom 2:24-2:29). This is the context with which Romans 3:19-20 is stated, declaring that whether Jew or Gentile, we cannot gain righteousness through our own "circumcision" and works (Romans 3:29-30). However, the law is not nullified because of faith, but we through faith establish the Law. (Romans 3:31) Therefore 1 Samuel 15:22 ("...to obey is better than sacrifice...") is not nullified because of faith through Jesus Christ (Matthew 5:17).

Obedience is essential to develop a healthy relationship with God. Faith establishes the relationship, but obedience (not religious rituals) maintains it. Jesus Himself spoke about the importance of obedience:

"Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven." - Matthew 7:21

Many who do things in Jesus' name are cast away; He does not even know them! Why? Because they were not doing the will of the Father (Matthew 7:22-23). It is important to note that the difference between the wise and foolish builder is not the one who hears the Word of God, but rather the one who does according to the Word of God (Matthew 7:24-27). Why would Jesus command us if we are not expected to obey? (John 13:34-35) Did not Jesus Himself obey the Father, even to death on the cross? (Luke 22:42; Philippians 2:8) We are not above Jesus, but rather we should be like Him (Luke 6:40).

Obedience is the fruit of faith (Luke 6:43-49). Faith comes from hearing the Word; obedience perfects that faith. James 2 states that even the demons believe in God (James 2:19), but our faith is useless without the works to show that faith (James 2:20). Abraham, who trusted in God, obeyed His command to sacrifice his son Issac (Genesis 22:1-22; note v22). Romans 4:3 states that Abraham was justified by faith, but James 2:21 states that Abraham was justified by works in his obedience to God (when he offered up Issac per God's command). How can this be? Abraham's faith allowed him to trust and therefore obey God (Hebrews 11:17-19), and it was through obedience that Abraham's faith was perfected (James 2:22-23). We cannot be justified by faith alone, for faith that does not bear the fruit of obedience is dead (James 2:24,26).

Sorry for the very lengthy explanation, but Scripture does show that obedience allows us to be "happy in Jesus" (in our continued relationship with God the Father) per the writer's lyrics. David, I hope this clarifies Scripture for you (I mean no offense), and Elaine, I hope that this can encourage you and your acquaintance to sing this hymn in faith and in truth.

Hope this helps.

I am directing my comment to: "Elaine" of Miami Florida and this is my response to her questions dated 9/18/12. Your Pastor, aquaintance is absolutely correct! The only obedience the Father accepts from us is "perfect" obedience. The hymn "Trust and Obey" does not line up with God's Word. Trust is another word for "Faith" and of itself is "Wonderous" but when mixed with "obey", then the hymn is not singing about Grace but speaks of law, flesh and death. When you placed your faith in Christ to save you from sin, God the Father replaced your inability to "obey" God's laws with His Son's ability. By faith and nothing else you became the "Righteousness of God in him." There is no longer room for the efforts of man to please God by obedience. The Law was fulfilled by Jesus, not by man and his "religious effort to obey" (2 Cor. 5:21) "For he hath made him to be sin for us who knew no sin, that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him." (Romans 3:19-20) "Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God. Therefore, by the deeds of the law (or man's attempts to obey it) there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin." A better verse for the hymn should read: Trust and BELIEVE! Elaine, The Lord Bless you and you loved ones in this new year.

Your brother In Christ.

I especially love the last verse "Then in fellowship sweet we will sit at His feet... Where He sends, we will go"

What a blessed soul stirring hymn, from as far back as my elementary school days when we did this hymn during the morning assembly, it has always blessed my soul and inclined me to a life of more consecration and strong desire to walk in obedience to the Master. Trust (faith) and obedience remain the surest key to a happy life in Christ Jesus, our Lord and Saviour. I do hope that more congregations will restore the art of hymn singing in thier worship services and help the on-coming generation to tap into the depths of spirituality that hymns like this deliver to the church environment. God bless you all.

This song speaks to ME. However, I have an aquaintance who would refuse to have his congregation sing this wonderful hymn. He is stuck on the refrain "Trust and Obey, for there is no other way, to be happy in Jesus...". Are there other ways to be happy in Jesus...I mean to be truly happy in Jesus. Isn't Obedience better than sacrifice, and did He not tell us to Go!!

Help?!?!

It gives me peace, joy and love. I always remember my parents who nurtured me in believing Jesus Christ and walk with faith in Him. Happy and inspired whenever I heard this song. I love to share what I've experienced living with Christ. I want to be a blessing to others.

My soul has been nourished.If only I could trust and obey, things could work out in my favour. God bless you composers.

How great and blessed it is for the one who upload this hymn onto the Internet. I really enjoy it. Be blessed.

Thanks for getting this song on the net. It really reminds me of the school days when we had morning assembly and quite often we sang this song. Jesus is the one whom we can trust and obey to lead a life in abundance.

I am so excited to find out this hymn song on net. Reminds me of when we were kids and me and myself sisters would send to our hymn books at night before going to bed...