“Trust and obey, for there’s no other way” might remind you of an old church hymn, but for me it also sums up my struggle with the GPS on my phone. It’s one thing to trust the GPS to navigate me to my destination, but a very different thing to actually obey its directions. When it alerts me to a traffic backup ahead that I can’t see and gives me an alternate route, I struggle to believe what the GPS is telling me and ignore the instructions. It’s only when I am stopped in traffic a few miles down the road that I find myself frustrated that I didn’t obey. That’s when I tell myself, “to be happy in GPS, is to trust and obey.”
The same is true about my relationship with Jesus. It’s one thing to say that I trust Jesus with my life, but another thing to obey him. Often I have a destination in mind. I’ve mapped out my day and proceed to go through the day as planned. But then there’s that thought or random encounter with someone that tells me to take a different route, to deviate from my plans, to express my faith in a way that makes me uncomfortable. Too often I press on as planned and later I regret that I did not obey.
The old hymn tells us: “Trust and obey, for there’s no other way. To be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey.” The song was written more than 130 years ago by John Sammis, but it still rings true today. True happiness can only be found in Jesus Christ. In Him we find the strength to navigate the rough roads of life or to take the scenic route and discover the beauty of God’s creation. There is “no other way” in life.
“For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord bestows favor and honor; no good thing does he withhold from those whose walk is blameless. Lord Almighty, blessed is the one who trusts in you.” – Psalm 84:11-12
“Who among you fears the Lord and obeys the word of his servant? Let the one who walks in the dark, who has no light, trust in the name of the Lord and rely on their God.”
⁃ Isaiah 50:10 (NIV)
You can read the lyrics of the hymn trust and obey at: https://library.timelesstruths.org/music/Trust_and_Obey/
© 2019 CGThelen
140 Character Christian 
I liked that analogy. I agree that it is a scary proposition to follow the GPS into the unknown. I have done it before, but I wondered what would happen if the GPS stopped working and I was out there somewhere I did not know. But, with God, we don’t have to fear. He is not going to leave us or forsake us. He is completely faithful in all that he does. So, we can rely on him. He will lead us in the right way, and we won’t get lost if we will just “trust and obey.”
Excellent point. God is faithful and he will guide us. Praise God he gave us a road map — the Bible — to help us.
I’ll be reminded of trusting Jesus whenever I hit google maps!
Great advice. I’ll do the same 😊
Trusting and obeying… what a process this is and one that is gloriously wonderful and yet so often extremely difficult. Thankfully He give us the faith to keep pursuing and He keeps drawing.
I like how you frame the process as being difficult, yet wonderful. So true. It is that deepening relationship with God, learning to trust him more and more. Blessings.
Funny post yet so true!!! 😊
Sometimes I just laugh at myself when I realize I should’ve trusted God instead of trying to figure it out on my own.
And for me…give myself a mental kick for not trusting God yet another time when His track record is so impeccable.
So true!
Praise God for his truth.
Yes, it IS the only way. Although it’s frustrating to hear the still, small voice saying, “Turn around when possible…” or “…re-routing …” Where would I end up without Him???
Oh that’s so true, the still small voice saying “rerouting.” Praise God that his Spirit continues to direct us, even when we’re off course. I would be at a dead end without Christ!
Arrgh, this: “Too often I press on as planned and later I regret that I did not obey.” So many times I have been there. 😕
An apt analogy! Thank you for sharing your insight.
I am always amazed at how little interruptions in the day later turn into big things. I am reminded of these when I regret missing opportunities God placed in front of me during the day.
No kidding! Bots of reminders throughout our days to take “just a closer walk with Thee,” Jesus.
Yes, “a closer walk with thee!”
Good morning, Chris! As I was reading this, God brought to mind some verses in Ps 139 (9-10) that have a similar GPS allusion.
“If I take the wings of the morning and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, even there your hand shall lead me, and your right hand shall hold me.
While you’re not headed “for the uttermost parts of the sea”, you are on a new journey. I know who you’re traveling with…you’re in good hands.
That’s a great verse and word! Thanks friend.
“It’s one thing to say that I trust Jesus with my life, but another thing to obey him.”
It’s amazing how the Holy Spirit works! I just encountered this same thought in my morning devotional! Blessings🙏
The Spirit is amazing. Praise God that he continues to help us mature in our faith. Thanks for sharing. Blessings.