Times can be hard. Hearing my 3-year-old son sing the song, “Trust and Obey, for there’s no other way, to be happy in Jesus, than to Trust and Obey” over and over last week reminded me that I need to do that very thing. Recovering from a bout of bronchitis, I was unable to do much for over a week. Overwhelming thoughts began to fill my mind, a lengthy to do list appeared, and piles of laundry grew. What a blessing that God allowed my son to belt out those words when he did, because that is exactly what I needed to do! Stop worrying and Trust and Obey.
I am not alone in trials, for we all have them. But, how are we responding to them? In recent years my sister’s health has not been good. I can easily become scared that she may go to heaven at a young age, leaving her husband and kids behind, but I need to trust and obey. God tells us in….
1 Peter 5:7 Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
He is also the great Healer and Physician. We must trust who He says he is!
Psalm 103:2-5 Praise the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits- who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion, who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.
Seven years ago money seemed to blossom and grow everywhere and be the furthest trial from us. But now we are not left untouched. Seeing family and friends struggling with finances hurts as well. The burden often is heavy and more than we can bear. That is why Jesus promises to exchange our heavy load, and give us what is light. What relief! Read Matthew 11:28-30 and be encouraged! When sadness, depression, and grief want to set in as believers in Christ Jesus, what do we do? Trust and Obey. To actively trust him, we must believe that His word and promises to us are true. To actively obey him, we must follow him by reading his word, doing what He says, and running to Him in prayer.
Philippians 4:6-7 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Currently we are preparing our home to sell. This can be very exciting, yet overwhelming with all of the details of repairs, painting, cleaning, decor, and packing. Then of course questions like, “Where will we live? When will we move? How will our entire family adjust to a new area, friends, and school?” The list of unknowns goes on and on. Honestly, it is scary for me at times. Then I ask, “Am I doing what I need to? Am I trusting and obeying?” God commands us to believe in Him and obey. A favorite verse in Jeremiah comes to mind. You may know it as well.
Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
You may be able to relate to trials of illness, poor health, or finances. Maybe you currently have feelings of excitement or anxiety about your future. Do not let it consume you, for we are more than conquerors in Christ Jesus! God loves us so much He sent His one and only Son for us. When we have faith, trust Him, and are obedient to what He tells us in His word, we have freedom and joy. That is why this simple little song can mean so much. “Trust and obey, for there’s no other way, to be happy in Jesus, than to trust and obey.”
Submitted by Charity Stadler
