Trust And Obey | AS BOLD AS LIONS DEVOTIONAL | June 23, 2023

Trust And Obey | AS BOLD AS LIONS DEVOTIONAL | June 23, 2023

Jesus answered him, “If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word, and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him. John 14:23

In some of His closing words before going to the cross, Jesus explains to His disciples that the Holy Spirit will come and dwell within them. This is the “Helper”: the Spirit of truth and the key identifier that will set those who follow Jesus apart from the rest of the world. To be indwelled by the Holy Spirit meant having the ability to be taught what is needed (John 14:26) and to have peace within this life. With the uncertainty that loomed in front of the disciples, one has to think they went back to these words often to find hope moving forward…certainly amidst the crucifixion but even after Jesus ascended into heaven.

I love the words from the refrain of the hymn, Trust and Obey: Trust and obey, for there's no other way to be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey. Part of what the disciples were called to do and we are as well, is to simply trust and obey. Jesus outlines this in John 14 and specifically verse 23: If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word. To keep the words of Christ are to obey. To walk in trust. We also walk in humility knowing that the words He provides are better than the path we would choose for ourselves. What is the reward and the benefit? Well, one is that we are taught what is needed (as mentioned). Secondly, this right relationship leads us into peace and the ability to face whatever life throws at us. What an amazingly simple concept and how often do we miss it? Just trust and obey!

Question for today: How have I found joy in my life as I’ve taken to heart the concept of “trusting and obeying”?

Pray: Lord may we never get past the simplicity of what You reveal to us. As we trust You and love You, we find peace and have the Helper (the Holy Spirit), guiding our lives. What a promise.

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