This is hymn 30 of the Open Heavens daily devotion written by Pastor E. A. Adeboye, General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG).
Hymn 30: WHEN WE WALK WITH THE LORD
1. 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.
2. 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]
3. 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]
WHEN WE WALK WITH THE LORD HYMN COMMENTARY
Beloved in Christ, in our journey of faith, we often seek complex formulas for victory and peace. This beloved hymn, “When We Walk With The Lord,” cuts through all complexity and reveals the beautiful, simple, and powerful secret to a life filled with God’s glory, presence, and joy. It is a hymn that lays out the fundamental rhythm of the Christian life: a walk of trusting faith that results in loving obedience.
Why Sing This Hymn
We sing this hymn to remind ourselves of the inseparable link between faith and action, and the blessedness that flows from aligning our will with God’s. It is a call to practical, daily discipleship that leads to deep, soul-satisfying happiness.
1. It is a Hymn of Illuminated Fellowship (Verse 1)
The hymn begins by painting a picture of intimate companionship: “When we walk with the Lord.” This is not a distant following, but a side-by-side journey. The condition for this fellowship is walking “in the light of his word.” God’s Word is the lamp that illuminates our path (Psalm 119:105), and as we walk in its truth, He “sheds glory on our way.” The promise is profound: as we actively engage in “his good will,” we experience His abiding presence. Faith and obedience are not sequential; they are two sides of the same coin. We trust Him enough to obey, and in obeying, we find Him faithful, which deepens our trust.
2. It is a Hymn of Proven Delight (Verse 2)
This verse introduces a crucial spiritual principle: some of the deepest joys of God’s love are experiential and can only be known through surrendered obedience. “We never can prove the delights of his love until all on the altar we lay.” The “favor” and “joy” He promises are reserved for those who move beyond mere intellectual assent to a place of full surrender. It is in the act of laying down our rights, our plans, and our treasures that we discover the far greater treasure of His delightful presence. The blessing is found on the other side of surrender.
3. It is a Hymn of Intimate Companionship (Verse 3)
The result of this life of trust and obedience is a relationship of beautiful intimacy. We are promised “fellowship sweet,” where we can either rest contently “at his feet” like Mary, listening and learning, or actively “walk by his side” like the disciples on the Emmaus road. This intimacy breeds a heart that says, “what he says we will do, where he sends we will go.” This is not a burden but a loving response. And the final encouragement is for the fearful heart: “never fear, only trust and obey.”
The Refrain: The Unchanging Principle
The timeless refrain is the cornerstone of the hymn: “Trust and obey, for there’s no other way to be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey.” This is not a restrictive rule, but a liberating truth. Happiness (or blessedness) in Christ is not found in perfect circumstances, accumulated wealth, or worldly success. It is found in the secure, dependent, and obedient relationship with our Savior.
A Word for Your Spirit Today
Are you searching for happiness and purpose today? Does your path seem dark or uncertain? The Lord is inviting you into a simple, yet profound, exchange.
Bring your fears, your plans, and your will to the altar. Choose to walk in the light of His Word, even when you don’t understand the full path. Make the decision to do what He has already clearly said in Scripture. As you take that step of obedience, you will prove His delights for yourself. You will find Him walking beside you, shedding glory on your way.
The Christian life is not a mystery to be solved, but a Person to be trusted and a will to be surrendered. Choose today to walk in the simple, powerful, and happy way of trust and obey.
In the faithful name of Jesus, Amen.
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