Today's Daily Encounter 28th September 2022

Today's Daily Encounter 28th September 2022

Beloved Hymns: Trust and Obey

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding.

In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.”1  

Daniel B. Towner, who wrote the melody to this song, began his career as a worship leader in New York. He had studied with some of the finest musicians and served in several different churches, before finally traveling with D.L. Moody. He once explained how this hymn came to be written:  

“Mr. Moody was preaching at several meetings in Massachusetts, and I had the pleasure of singing for him there. One night a young man rose to give a testimony and said, “I'm not quite sure— but I'm going to trust, and I'm going to obey.” I jotted that sentence down, and sent it with the little story to Rev. J.H. Sammis, a presbyterian minister.”  

Sammis wrote a poem based on the phrase “trust and obey'' and sent it back to Towner who went to work on the music. However, he soon grew discouraged and one evening in his home, he crumpled up the paper and threw the manuscript into the wastebasket. The next morning, as his wife was straightening his office, she retrieved the crumpled paper and sang over the words and melody to herself. She set it on the organ and encouraged her husband to work on it some more, telling him, “I feel the melody you have written is just what is needed to carry the message”. She was right.   

In 1893, Dr. Towner became head of the Music Department of the Moody Bible Institute of Chicago where he trained hundreds of young people to lead worship and minister to the Lord in music. He wrote the melodies of some of our favorite hymns and also compiled 14 hymn books, and wrote several textbooks. He continued faithfully serving in worship until he died of a seizure at age 70, while leading singing in Revival meetings at Longwood, Missouri.  

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.2   

Suggested Prayer: Dear God, it is easy to grow discouraged in these times when no one wants to hear of your love for them. But, today I choose to trust your promises and obey your word; I know you will always lead me. You will fill me with joy as I delight in your presence! In Jesus’ name, Amen.  

    1. Proverbs 3:5-6 (ESV).  

    2. “Trust and Obey” Hymn by, John H. Sammis; Music by, Daniel B. Towner (1887)  

Today’s Encounter was written by: Veronica B.  

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