Trust and obey, for there’s no other way to be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey.

I sang this song to my kids when they were babies. Perhaps because it was simple to remember and fit my Soprano 2 singing range. Or perhaps because I believed it.

I’m going to be honest with you today. I’ll make the message simple.

There’s security, freedom, and peace when you obey God and the Holy Spirit. 

My question is, Are you obeying Him?

Yesterday I attended the Beth Moore simulcast on her new message, “Audacious.” Her message was simple:

Life is all about Jesus.

So simply obey Him.

It resonated with me because I’ve been experiencing it.

I’m honestly grieved and a little dumbfounded at the talk in Christian circles. We’re constantly focused on what we need to do different or better or how we need to un-messify ourselves. When I speak to women, I’m often asked, “How do you get to healing, freedom, or intimacy with Christ?” When I simply respond that you have to be in His word, seeking and obeying Him, I often receive the look–

“Really, I have to do that?”

Have you thought that?

This summer, I’ve pulled back, digging deep into quietness, God’s word, and simplifying life. One theme has risen to the surface as I’ve read God’s Word:

Obey.

I’ve disobeyed God enough in my life to know the difference of living in obedience and disobedience.

I want the feeling I get from obeying God. Every time.

When I’ve obeyed God in life, career, and parenting, I’ve experienced safety, security, and freedom.

Obeying God isn’t easy. It won’t get you acclamations from peers. It won’t bring in a paycheck. It seems foolish, and you will feel alone.

But there’s nothing like the payoff.

A recent question on a Periscope broadcast was, How do you live it out?

The answer is also simple–you just do it. 

When kids obey, they’re saved from discomfort or harm and reap the benefits of obedience. It’s no different for us. The sooner you obey God in what He’s calling you to or He’s convicting you of, the sooner you’ll reap His benefits. 

Where is God nudging you to obey? What’s holding you back? What are you afraid of?

You’re not alone in the struggle, please hear that. Most of my life I have disobeyed God first until I realized the mess I was in. Eventually, I obeyed.

The more you obey Him in the little things, the easier it is to obey Him in the big things. 

Will you join me in the Great Adventure of obedient living? I’d love to hear from you. We’ll be chatting about obedience this week on Periscope. Join us Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 9:30 am EST. If you don’t know about Periscope, download the App on your phone or tablet and follow me at @BeyondPicketFen. You can watch the replays at katch.me.BeyondPicketFen. Soon broadcasts will be private only to followers (so follow and join the fun!)

In my new release, Balance, Busyness, and Not Doing It All, you’ll find the “Simply obey” principle woven throughout the book. Have you got your copy? It’s changing women’s lives–women are recalibrating their priorities in life, faith, and family balance.

Join me, friends, in obeying God and anticipating the freedom, peace, and security which follows. I’d love to hear your victories and struggles, because I’m right there with you! What are they?