The Inspiring Story Behind the Hymn "Trust and Obey"

  Have you ever hummed the tune of "Trust and Obey" during a church service or in a quiet moment of reflection? This beloved Christian hymn, with its simple yet profound message, has touched countless lives since its creation in the late 19th century. But who created it, and how did it come to be? Let's dive into the fascinating history of this timeless song.

 The Creators: John H. Sammis and Daniel B. Towner

The lyrics of "Trust and Obey" were penned by John H. Sammis (1846–1919), a Presbyterian minister whose life journey reflected a profound commitment to faith and service. Born on July 6, 1846, in Brooklyn, New York, to Oliver Ketcham and Sarah T. Sammis, he grew up in a bustling urban environment. As a young man, Sammis pursued a career in business, relocating to Logansport, Indiana, around 1869 at the age of 22 or 23. There, he established himself as a successful businessman, but his life took a transformative turn when he converted to Christianity in the same town.

Deeply involved in community service, Sammis became active in the Young Men's Christian Association (Y.M.C.A.), where he served as the state secretary for Indiana. His work with the Y.M.C.A. ignited a calling to full-time ministry, prompting him to leave his business pursuits behind. He pursued theological education at McCormick Theological Seminary in Chicago and Lane Theological Seminary in Cincinnati, Ohio. Ordained as a Presbyterian minister in 1880, Sammis pastored congregations in several states, including Glidden, Iowa; Sullivan, Indiana; and Red Wing, Minnesota. His pastoral roles allowed him to minister to diverse communities, blending his practical business acumen with spiritual guidance.

In his later years, Sammis transitioned to education, teaching at the Los Angeles Bible Institute (now Biola University), where he influenced countless students through his teachings on faith, scripture, and hymnody. Over his lifetime, he authored more than 100 hymns, though "Trust and Obey" remains his most enduring legacy. Married to Mary L. Sammis, he lived a life dedicated to spreading the gospel until his death on June 12, 1919, in Highland Park, Los Angeles. He was buried at Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Glendale, California.

The music, on the other hand, was composed by Daniel B. Towner (1850–1919), a talented musician and hymn writer who served as the music director for evangelist Dwight L. Moody's revival meetings. Towner composed over 2,000 hymns in his lifetime and later became the first director of the Moody Bible Institute's Music Department. His melodies often captured the spirit of revival and heartfelt worship.

Together, these two men collaborated to create a hymn that emphasizes the joy found in faithful obedience to God.

The Moment of Inspiration

The story of how "Trust and Obey" came to be is as uplifting as the hymn itself. In 1886, during one of Dwight L. Moody's revival meetings in Brockton, Massachusetts, Towner was leading the music. During a testimony time, a young man stood up and shared his uncertain but determined faith: "I am not quite sure—but I am going to trust, and I am going to obey."

Those words struck a chord with Towner. He quickly jotted them down and later sent them, along with a brief account of the event, to his friend John H. Sammis. Inspired by the young man's resolve, Sammis wrote the refrain first: "Trust and obey, for there’s no other way / To be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey." He then expanded it into full verses, drawing on themes of walking in God's light and finding peace through obedience.

Towner composed the melody shortly after, using a simple sequence of notes that made the hymn easy to sing and remember. The complete song was first published in 1887 in *Hymns New and Old*, a collection edited by Towner himself.

The Lyrics and Their Message

Here's the full text of the hymn, which beautifully encapsulates its core message:

When we walk with the Lord  

In the light of His Word,  

What a glory He sheds on our way!  

While we do His good will,  

He abides with us still,  

And with all who will trust and obey.  

*Trust and obey, for there’s no other way*  

*To be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey.*  

Not a shadow can rise,  

Not a cloud in the skies,  

But His smile quickly drives it away;  

Not a doubt or a fear,  

Not a sigh or a tear,  

Can abide while we trust and obey.  

*Trust and obey...*  

Not a burden we bear,  

Not a sorrow we share,  

But our toil He doth richly repay;  

Not a grief or a loss,  

Not a frown or a cross,  

But is blest if we trust and obey.  

*Trust and obey...*  

But we never can prove  

The delights of His love  

Until all on the altar we lay;  

For the favor He shows,  

And the joy He bestows,  

Are for them who will trust and obey.  

*Trust and obey...*  

Then in fellowship sweet  

We will sit at His feet,  

Or we’ll walk by His side in the way;  

What He says we will do,  

Where He sends we will go;  

Never fear, only trust and obey.  

*Trust and obey...*

The hymn's biblical roots are evident, possibly inspired by passages like 1 John 1:7, though the exact scripture isn't definitively linked. Its enduring appeal lies in its straightforward call to faith amid uncertainty.

Legacy and Impact

"Trust and Obey" quickly became a staple in revival meetings and church hymnals, inspiring millions to embrace a life of simple obedience. Towner and Sammis both continued their ministries until their deaths in 1919, leaving behind a legacy of music and teaching that still resonates today.

In a world full of complexities, this hymn reminds us that happiness in faith often comes down to two words: trust and obey. Whether you're familiar with it or hearing the story for the first time, it's a testament to how a single moment of testimony can spark something eternal.

DMMC

2-6-26