09/19/2026
THE STORY BEHIND "TRUST AND OBEY"
Few hymns capture the essence of the Christian walk as beautifully as “When We Walk with the Lord,” popularly known as “Trust and Obey.” Its enduring message is simple yet profound: genuine faith is expressed through trusting God and faithfully following His Word.
Written in 1887 by American hymn writer John Henry Sammis, with music composed by Daniel Brink Towner, the hymn was inspired by an encounter during an evangelistic meeting associated with Dwight L. Moody in Brockton, Massachusetts.
During the meeting, a young man expressed his desire to follow Christ, although he admitted that he did not fully understand what that commitment required. His simple declaration reportedly stayed with those who heard it: “I am not quite sure, but I am going to trust, and I am going to obey.”
The words deeply impressed Daniel Towner, who later shared the experience with John Sammis. Inspired by this expression of sincere faith, Sammis began writing a hymn that would remind believers that the Christian journey is not built on understanding every detail of God's plan, but on trusting His guidance and obeying His commands.
Towner composed the melody, and the hymn was published in 1887. It soon became widely loved in churches across denominations and generations.
Its memorable refrain declares a truth that continues to resonate with believers everywhere: happiness in Christ is found through a life of trust and obedience.
More than a century later, the hymn remains a cherished part of Christian worship around the world. Its message is a timeless invitation to surrender, confidence, and faithful living, reminding us that walking with Christ means trusting His promises and allowing that trust to shape the way we live.
Sometimes, the greatest expression of faith is simply choosing to trust God and obey.
LYRICS in the image below 👇
