Nearer, My God, to Thee

Songbook Hymn Sermons

Nearer, My God, to Thee

A Sermon based on the Hymn by Sarah Flower Adams

Introduction:
“Nearer, My God, to Thee” is a prayer in song—humble, heartfelt, and enduring. It expresses the deepest longing of the soul: to draw closer to God through every joy, trial, and sorrow. Whether in blessing or hardship, the faithful heart seeks nearness to the One who never fails.

Stanza 1: “Nearer, my God, to Thee, nearer to Thee!”
This opening line sets the theme of the entire hymn—a yearning for closeness to God. James 4:8 says, “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.” Whether we are on the mountaintop or in the valley, our greatest desire must be communion with our Creator. This line also recalls the plea of the Psalmist: “As the deer pants for the water brooks, so pants my soul for You, O God” (Psalm 42:1).

Stanza 2: “Though like the wanderer, the sun gone down…”
This verse reminds us that sometimes, like Jacob fleeing in the night (Genesis 28:11–12), we feel alone and uncertain. Yet even in darkness, God meets us with light. The “ladder” Jacob saw reaching heaven reassures us that God is near even when we are weary, cast out, or afraid. His presence turns a lonely stone into “Bethel”—the house of God.

Stanza 3: “There let the way appear, steps unto heav’n…”
This stanza calls to mind the vision of a spiritual path, drawing us heavenward. Each trial can be a step toward eternal life if we walk it with God. Romans 8:28 promises that “all things work together for good” to those who love Him. Even suffering can lead us nearer to God, if we let it.

Stanza 4: “Then, with my waking thoughts bright with Thy praise…”
This verse transitions from nighttime sorrow to daytime praise. Psalm 63:6–7 describes meditating on God during night watches, then rising with joy. A heart that seeks God in hardship will find Him in peace. Our “waking thoughts” filled with His praise bring us nearer not only in spirit, but in joy.

Stanza 5: “Or if on joyful wing cleaving the sky…”
This final stanza soars to the hope of heaven itself. Whether by death or by Christ’s return, the faithful soul will one day be brought fully into the presence of God. Philippians 1:23 speaks of the desire “to depart and be with Christ, which is far better.” Whether in life or death, we are moving nearer to our Lord.

Nearer, My God, to Thee Sermon Outline:

Stanza 1 – The Soul’s Deepest Desire

• James 4:8 – Draw near to God

• Psalm 42:1 – Longing for God

• Psalm 73:28 – It is good to be near God

Stanza 2 – God Is Near in Sorrow and Exile

• Genesis 28:11–12 – Jacob’s ladder in the night

• Hebrews 13:5 – “I will never leave you nor forsake you”

• Psalm 34:18 – The Lord is near to the brokenhearted

Stanza 3 – Steps to Heaven Through Trial

• Romans 8:28 – All things work for good

• 2 Corinthians 4:17 – Light affliction works an eternal glory

• John 14:6 – Jesus is the way to the Father

Stanza 4 – Praise Through the Night into Day

• Psalm 63:6–7 – Meditating in the night watches

• Lamentations 3:22–23 – Morning mercies from a faithful God

• Psalm 119:62 – Rising at midnight to praise

Stanza 5 – The Joyful Homecoming

• Philippians 1:23 – Desire to be with Christ

• 1 Thessalonians 4:17 – We shall always be with the Lord

• Revelation 21:3 – God dwells with His people

Call to Action:
Is your life drawing you nearer to God—or farther away? Christ died to open the way back to the Father. If you desire nearness to God, begin by obeying the gospel: believe in Jesus (John 8:24), repent (Luke 13:3), confess His name (Romans 10:9–10), and be baptized for the forgiveness of sins (Acts 2:38). Then walk with Him daily, even through sorrow, and look forward to the day you’ll be fully with Him. Let every step take you “nearer, my God, to Thee.”

Scripture Reference List:
James 4:8 – Draw near to God
Psalm 42:1 – Longing for the living God
Psalm 73:28 – Nearness to God is good
Genesis 28:11–12 – Jacob’s vision of heaven
Hebrews 13:5 – God will never leave you
Psalm 34:18 – Near to the brokenhearted
Romans 8:28 – All things work for good
2 Corinthians 4:17 – Light affliction, eternal weight of glory
John 14:6 – Jesus, the way to the Father
Psalm 63:6–7 – Praise during night watches
Lamentations 3:22–23 – God’s mercies are new every morning
Psalm 119:62 – Midnight praise
Philippians 1:23 – Desire to be with Christ
1 Thessalonians 4:17 – Always with the Lord
Revelation 21:3 – God dwelling with His people
John 8:24 – Believe in Jesus
Luke 13:3 – Repent or perish
Romans 10:9–10 – Confess Christ
Acts 2:38 – Be baptized for forgiveness

Song Author Credit:
Sarah Flower Adams, a British poet and actress, wrote “Nearer, My God, to Thee” in 1841. Though not from the churches of Christ, her heartfelt expression of spiritual longing has been embraced by generations of believers. The hymn is especially remembered for being played as the Titanic sank in 1912.

Song History:
“Nearer, My God, to Thee” was inspired by the story of Jacob in Genesis 28. Its haunting beauty and spiritual depth have made it a favorite at funerals, devotionals, and invitations. Its message transcends time—no matter the path, the Christian longs to be nearer to the Savior.

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

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