Today’s tune is a beloved hymn. I recall singing it as a child and into my adulthood. But there’s just something about that word “obey.”

I must admit I was not a rule-breaker growing up. I rarely stepped outside of the boundaries set by my parents. I tried very hard to obey.

I never got in trouble at school. But there was one time…well let me tell you about it.

We lived in a small, rural community from my birth until after first grade. The complex of school buildings held first grade through high school. The younger grades were in a separate building.

In first grade, Mrs. Estep had a meeting to attend in the next building. So an older student from high school stepped in to “watch” us while she was in this mandatory meeting.

Some of my classmates started acting up. We were first graders, perhaps a little too rambunctious. So the “substitute” called each disobedient student to the front of the classroom and lined them up by the chalkboard.

Just before Mrs. Estep returned, the student substitute teacher said, “We have an odd number of students lined up. Anyone want to volunteer to be part of this group?”

Now I’m not sure why I thought it was a good idea, but I volunteered. Volunteered to stand at the front of the class room with all of the other trouble makers in my class. I volunteered to be part of the disobedient group. I volunteered to accept the punishment that would surely be handed down (and by the way, in my school days, corporal punishment was still allowed and Mrs. Estep was not hesitant to use this form of punishment).

My heart sank. My stomach did flip flops. My legs were weak. I realized my mistake.

Mrs. Estep returned, thanked her high school student substitute and then turned to the unruly bunch. I wanted to shout out, “I didn’t do anything…I just volunteered to be up here.” But somehow I knew that she wouldn’t believe me. In my desire to be part of a group, I automatically became “one of them.”

There have been times in my life when I’ve approached God in a similar fashion. “I’m really not that bad. There are others who are much worse. I didn’t have a choice. I don’t deserve to be punished.” And the list could go on and on with excuses.

But when it comes down to it, I am disobedient to God. I sometimes choose to be disobedient. And I am so deserving of every punishment God should wish to hand out.

But I also love a God who is willing to cover me with His grace. You see, Jesus volunteered to take my punishment. When He was innocent. When He had done no wrong. He volunteered to go to the cross.

So through the years I’ve learned that trusting and obeying God is the only option. I realize that when I am willing to lay it all on the altar, God is able to transform me into the trusting and obedient child He wants me to be.

As Mrs. Estep scolded the group of children by the chalkboard, I knew the punishment was coming. But in a moment of grace, Mrs. Estep sent us all back to our seats without the paddling. I was so relieved and grateful.

“Trust and Obey.” A line in the refrain says, “there’s no other way to be happy in Jesus but to trust and obey.” Do you trust God? Are you willing to obey Him? I’ve learned my lesson. I want to obey!

“Trust and Obey”

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.

Refrain:

Trust and obey, for there’s no other way

to be happy in Jesus, but to 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.

(Refrain)

But we never can prove

the delights of his love

until all on the altar we lay;

for the favor he shows,

for the joy he bestows,

are for them who will trust and obey.

(Refrain)

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.

(Refrain)[i]

Click here to listen to a beautiful version of this beloved hymn.

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

Donna