God Be With You

Songbook Hymn Sermons

God Be With You
A Sermon based on the Hymn “God Be With You” by Jeremiah Eames Rankin

Introduction:
Parting from loved ones is never easy. Whether it is a temporary goodbye or a final farewell in this life, our hearts long for comfort and assurance. The hymn “God Be With You” offers that assurance—not in human promises, but in the abiding presence of Almighty God. It reminds us that His care extends beyond our sight, His power protects beyond our reach, and His love binds us together even when distance or death separates us. This song is deeply rooted in the blessing given by the Lord to His people in Numbers 6:24–26, where He promises to bless, keep, and grant peace to His children. It also reflects the reality of Jesus’ promise in Matthew 28:20: “Lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” In singing this hymn, we affirm our trust in God’s continual presence, pray for His keeping power over those we love, and anticipate the glorious reunion of all the faithful in His eternal kingdom. Every stanza points us to the truth that we never walk alone; God is with us in every step, every trial, and every moment of parting. As we examine the message of each verse, may our hearts be encouraged to live with the constant awareness of His nearness and to bless others with this same confidence in God’s faithful companionship.

Stanza 1
God be with you till we meet again,
By His counsels guide, uphold you,
With His sheep securely fold you,
God be with you till we meet again.

This verse calls us to trust in God’s wise guidance. His counsel, revealed in Scripture, is the light for our path (Psalm 119:105). Being “securely folded” among His sheep echoes John 10:27–29, where Christ promises that no one can snatch His sheep from His hand. The believer’s security is found in belonging to the Good Shepherd, who protects and sustains us until the day we meet again in His presence.

Stanza 2
God be with you till we meet again,
’Neath His wings protecting hide you,
Daily manna still provide you,
God be with you till we meet again.

Here, the imagery shifts to the shelter of God’s wings (Psalm 91:4). Just as Israel was fed with manna in the wilderness (Exodus 16:15), God continues to provide for His people—both physically and spiritually—every day. We are reminded that His provision is not occasional but continual, meeting our needs until the journey ends.

Stanza 3
God be with you till we meet again,
Keep love’s banner floating o’er you,
Smite death’s threatening wave before you,
God be with you till we meet again.

The “banner” of love (Song of Solomon 2:4) represents God’s victorious and protective covering. Even when facing death’s shadow, we are assured of His power over the grave (1 Corinthians 15:54–57). This verse offers courage to face life’s greatest enemy with unshakable hope in the resurrection.

Chorus
Till we meet, till we meet,
Till we meet at Jesus’ feet;
Till we meet, till we meet,
God be with you till we meet again.

The chorus centers our hope on the final meeting “at Jesus’ feet” (Philippians 2:10–11). This is the ultimate goal for every Christian—to stand together before our Savior, united in eternal joy. Until that day, we walk in the promise of His abiding presence.

God Be With You Sermon Outline:

• Introduction – The biblical foundation of God’s abiding presence (Numbers 6:24–26; Matthew 28:20)

• Stanza 1 – Guided by His counsel; security in the fold (Psalm 119:105; John 10:27–29)

• Stanza 2 – Sheltered beneath His wings; daily provision (Psalm 91:4; Exodus 16:15)

• Stanza 3 – Love’s banner over us; victory over death (Song of Solomon 2:4; 1 Corinthians 15:54–57)

• Chorus – Hope of eternal reunion at Jesus’ feet (Philippians 2:10–11)

Call to Action:
Let the message of “God Be With You” move you to live daily in the presence of the Lord. Trust His counsel, rest under His care, receive His provision with gratitude, and hold fast to the hope of meeting again in His eternal kingdom.

Key Takeaways:

• God’s presence is promised to His people (Matthew 28:20).

• His Word guides and upholds us (Psalm 119:105).

• God provides daily for His children (Philippians 4:19).

• His love is our banner and protection (Song of Solomon 2:4).

• In Christ, death has no victory (1 Corinthians 15:54–57).

Scripture Reference List:

• Numbers 6:24–26 – Blessing of God’s presence and peace

• Matthew 28:20 – Christ’s promise to be with us always

• Psalm 119:105 – God’s Word as a guiding light

• John 10:27–29 – Security of the sheep in the Shepherd’s hand

• Psalm 91:4 – Shelter under God’s wings

• Exodus 16:15 – God’s provision of manna

• Song of Solomon 2:4 – Love’s banner over us

• 1 Corinthians 15:54–57 – Victory over death

• Philippians 2:10–11 – Meeting at Jesus’ feet

Song History:
“God Be With You Till We Meet Again” was written in 1880 by Jeremiah Eames Rankin, a Congregational minister in Washington, D.C. Rankin composed the hymn as a benediction for his congregation, intending it as a loving farewell to those parting from one another. The words quickly gained popularity in church services and missionary gatherings, and the hymn became one of the most beloved parting songs in Christian hymnody. Its message of God’s faithful presence in separation has comforted generations of believers.

Prepared by David Hersey of the church of Christ at Granby, MO

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