You
are My friends if you do what I command you (Jesus speaking). John
15:14
A
lot of water has flowed under the bridge since I was six years old.
My parents made sure church was an integral part of the lives of my
brother and I as we grew up. I'm happy they did for it was an
experience that shaped us both for the better. One memory that has
stuck with me for nearly 65 years is Brother Ray Peterson. He was
our worship leader. Even though I was six, I still recall his
favorite Hymn was “Trust and Obey” by John H. Sammis. He led us
in that song every Sunday night.
Those
words have never left me. The message in the refrain has remained before my mind's eye on the smiling lips of Brother
Peterson as he sang; "Trust
and obey, for there's no other way, to be happy in Jesus but to trust
and obey."
Through
life's struggles they have been an anchor of hope for me. Trusting
in the Lord always brings hope. Obeying is the action the LORD
desires above all else (1st
Samuel 15:22). Obedience alleviates guilt and shame Satan uses to
hammer us into discouragement and despair. There was a time in my own
life when I endured my greatest crisis, and my trust was tested
nearly to the breaking point. In life or perhaps death I was not sure,
but I trusted He would never abandon me in either circumstance as I
chose to remain obedient to His calling. The blessings of obedience
brings relationship with Christ, the power of the Holy Spirit working
in our lives, and glory to God the Father.
Trust
and obey, for there's no other way to be happy in Jesus. Brother Ray
Peterson is with his LORD now but we will be together one bright day
when the redeemed of Christ stand together (Revelation 7:9). If he's still singing that lovely song as a memorial to his salvation, I'll
gladly join him. Trusting and obeying has always worked for me.
It's been good for me since 1956.
Ken
