Walking in Sunlight
A Sermon based on
the Hymn by Henry J. Zelley
Introduction:
“Walking in Sunlight” is a hymn that expresses the joy, peace, and
assurance found in a daily walk with Christ. Written by Henry J. Zelley
in 1899, it reflects the words of Psalm 84:11—“The Lord God is a sun and
shield; the Lord will give grace and glory; no good thing will He
withhold from those who walk uprightly.” This hymn pictures the
Christian life not as a gloomy journey, but as a joyful one illuminated
by the presence of Jesus. It reminds us that even through trials and
shadows, the sunlight of heaven still leads and warms the soul who
abides in Christ. The radiant imagery of light speaks to the guidance,
hope, and fellowship we have when we walk in His will. Each stanza
reaffirms the simple yet profound truth: walking with Jesus brings peace
now and promises glory later.
Stanza 1:
“Walking in sunlight all of my journey, over the mountains, through the
deep vale…”
This stanza emphasizes the consistency and constancy of God’s presence.
Whether on mountaintops of triumph or in valleys of trial, the Christian
walks in the light of the Lord. Psalm 23:4 assures us that even in the
darkest valley, God is with us. The phrase “Jesus has said, ‘I’ll never
forsake thee’” echoes Hebrews 13:5. His promise is not situational—it is
eternal. Whether we walk in strength or stumble in weakness, we are not
alone. The light of Christ goes before us, making the path clear and
giving us courage to continue.
Stanza 2:
“Shadows around me, shadows above me, never conceal my Savior and
Guide…”
Even when the way is uncertain or clouded by sorrow, Christ remains
visible. The shadows of life—be it grief, temptation, or
confusion—cannot blot out the Sun of Righteousness (Malachi 4:2). The
believer trusts in the unchanging presence of the Lord. “He is the
light, in Him is no darkness at all” (1 John 1:5). As the stanza
proclaims, “He is the light, in Him is no darkness,” we are reminded
that we do not walk by feeling, but by faith (2 Corinthians 5:7). The
world may offer false light, but the Savior never dims nor fades.
Stanza 3: “In
the bright sunlight, ever rejoicing, pressing my way to mansions above…”
The final verse captures the forward-looking hope of the believer. This
is not mere wandering—it is a pilgrimage toward heaven. Philippians 3:14
speaks of pressing “toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of
God in Christ Jesus.” The joy of walking in the light now is that it
leads to glory later. The believer lifts his voice in praise, “Singing
His praises, gladly I’m walking,” not because life is easy, but because
Christ is with him. The sunlight that shines now is but a glimpse of the
glory that awaits the faithful on the other side.
Chorus:
“Heavenly sunlight, heavenly sunlight, flooding my soul with glory
divine…”
The chorus is a burst of joyful assurance. The sunlight of God’s
presence is not a flicker—it floods the soul. That glory is not of this
world—it is divine. The believer sings, “Hallelujah, I am rejoicing,”
for he knows that Jesus is with him. Romans 8:39 reminds us that nothing
“shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ
Jesus our Lord.” This is not fleeting happiness, but unshakable joy
grounded in divine fellowship.
Walking in
Sunlight Sermon Outline:
Stanza 1
– Constant Light for the Journey
-
God’s presence
through mountains and valleys: Psalm 23:4
-
Jesus never
forsakes us: Hebrews 13:5
-
Light shines
regardless of circumstance
Stanza 2 –
Trusting Through the Shadows
-
Shadows cannot
hide our Savior: Malachi 4:2
-
Jesus is pure
light: 1 John 1:5
-
We walk by
faith, not sight: 2 Corinthians 5:7
Stanza 3 –
Rejoicing on the Way to Heaven
-
We press toward
the heavenly goal: Philippians 3:14
-
Singing and
praising as we journey: Psalm 100:2
-
Eternal focus
brings daily strength
Chorus –
Assurance of God’s Presence
-
His presence
floods the soul: Psalm 36:9
-
Divine joy is
our strength: Nehemiah 8:10
-
Nothing
separates us from His love: Romans 8:39
Call to Action:
Are you walking in sunlight or stumbling in darkness? Jesus offers more
than religion—He offers relationship, guidance, and joy. He is the Light
of the world (John 8:12), and He calls you to follow Him. If you have
not obeyed the gospel, now is the time to step into His light—believe,
repent, confess Him, and be baptized for the forgiveness of sins (Acts
2:38). For the Christian, remember that the light does not flicker when
trials come. Keep walking. Keep singing. Keep pressing forward. The
sunlight of God’s presence will lead you home.
Scripture
Reference List:
Psalm 84:11 – God is a sun and shield to the upright
Psalm 23:4 – Even in the valley, God is with us
Hebrews 13:5 – “I will never leave you nor forsake you”
Malachi 4:2 – The Sun of Righteousness shall arise
1 John 1:5 – God is light; no darkness in Him
2 Corinthians 5:7 – We walk by faith, not by sight
Philippians 3:14 – Pressing toward the heavenly goal
Psalm 100:2 – Serve the Lord with gladness
Psalm 36:9 – In Your light we see light
Nehemiah 8:10 – The joy of the Lord is your strength
Romans 8:39 – Nothing separates us from God’s love
John 8:12 – Jesus is the Light of the world
Acts 2:38 – Repent and be baptized for the remission of sins
Song Author
Credit:
The lyrics of “Walking in Sunlight” were written by
Henry J. Zelley, and
the music composed by George
H. Cook in 1899. Zelley, a Methodist preacher, wrote over 1,500
hymns and poems during his ministry, with this hymn being his most
enduring and joyful expression of Christian assurance.
Song History:
Originally titled “Heavenly Sunlight,” the hymn quickly became a
favorite among churches for its bright imagery and uplifting melody. It
remains a staple in worship for its clear message of trust in Jesus’
daily presence and the confident walk of faith that leads to eternal
life.
Prepared by
David Hersey of the church of Christ at Granby, MO
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