Trust and Obey

By: Lisa Boisvert

Wednesday, April 23, 2025

On the seventh day, they got up at daybreak and marched around the city seven times in the same manner, except that on that day they circled the city seven times. Joshua 6:15

Imagine being transported back in time to the week before Jericho fell. Outside the city walls a group of men are lined up in formation, waiting for Joshua's commands. When Joshua speaks, he explains the commands he is giving come directly from the Lord. Next, the men begin silently walking around the city walls. They circle Jericho seven times, then return to their camp. They follow this same routine every day until the seventh day.

Day 1, the people of Jericho probably watched Israel with terror-filled eyes, anxiously awaiting their fate. But to Jericho's surprise, the Israelites left quietly as soon as they finished marching. Days 2-6 the people of Jericho watched Israel display the same bizarre behavior. Each day, the city residents probably became less and less fearful. Later, they may have mocked the marchers and hurled down insults like “fools,” and “idiots.” Some of them probably climbed the city walls to watch the spectacle below them. Now, imagine the faces and attitudes of the Israelites. They endured the enemy's mocking and kept on marching. They faithfully obeyed Joshua's commands, knowing they were given to him by God.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:5-6

On day 7, Joshua gives them a new set of orders. The men march silently around the city seven times, but when they complete the seventh circle, they shout in unison. To the world, those instructions probably sound absurd... but Israel decided to completely trust God. They stepped out in faith and obeyed God's instructions. The result? Jericho’s terrified residents saw their impenetrable city walls collapse. Just as He promised, God delivered victory to His people. The plan probably seemed ridiculous to those non-believers inside Jericho. But through Israel's faith and obedience, God made a way!

In 1887, John H. Sammis wrote a hymn called "Trust and Obey." These impactful words are part of that hymn's refrain: "Trust and obey, for there's no other way, to be happy in Jesus..."

Be encouraged and have faith. When we trust and obey God, the walls of the world will fall!