Where Could I Go?
A Sermon based on
the Hymn by J.B. Coats
Introduction:
“Where Could I Go?” is a heartfelt hymn of dependence and trust. Written
by J.B. Coats in 1940, the song is a personal reflection on life’s
trials, the need for spiritual support, and the believer’s longing for
refuge in God. It echoes the message of Psalm 121:1–2: “I will lift up
my eyes to the hills—from whence comes my help? My help comes from the
Lord, who made heaven and earth.”
This hymn is more
than a question—it is an answer. When life brings sorrow, conflict, or
fear, there is only one safe place to go: to the Lord. The refrain is a
repeated cry of trust: “Where could I go but to the Lord?” It recognizes
that human relationships, worldly comforts, and earthly strength all
fall short. Only in Christ do we find the shelter, guidance, and peace
our souls so desperately need.
Let us now explore
this song stanza by stanza and consider the only true refuge in life, in
death, and in eternity—going to the Lord.
Stanza 1:
“Living below in this old sinful world, hardly a comfort can afford...”
The first stanza lays out the condition of earthly life. We live “below”
in a fallen world where sin and sorrow are all around. Romans 8:22 says
that “the whole creation groans and labors with birth pangs” under the
burden of sin. This world cannot give lasting comfort.
Even friends may
fail to provide the peace we seek. Though companionship is valuable, it
is not sufficient to sustain us in life’s deepest valleys. The answer is
not in earthly wealth or popularity. Psalm 46:1 declares, “God is our
refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” When the world
fails us, where can we go? To the Lord.
Stanza 2:
“Neighbors are kind, I love them every one; we get along in sweet
accord...”
This stanza acknowledges the blessings of earthly relationships. Good
neighbors and kind friends are gifts from God (Proverbs 18:24). But even
the closest relationships cannot meet the needs of our soul. They may
provide encouragement, but they cannot forgive sin, remove guilt, or
give eternal peace.
Only Jesus can carry
our burdens and cleanse our souls. Matthew 11:28–30 shows Jesus inviting
the weary to come and find rest. Our friends may love us, but they
cannot save us. Only Jesus can. So when the soul is crying out for
peace—where could we go? But to the Lord.
Stanza 3: “Life
here is grand with friends I love so dear, comfort I get from God’s own
word...”
This stanza blends earthly blessings with heavenly joy. Life may be
“grand” in many ways—family, friends, health—but even in the best
seasons, we need God’s Word and God’s presence. The comforts of
Scripture are what sustain us (Romans 15:4). We draw strength from the
promises of God and the hope of heaven.
Still, even in joy,
we face death. The line “yet when I face the chilling hand of death”
reminds us that every person must prepare to meet their Creator (Hebrews
9:27). In that moment, no human can accompany us. Only the Lord can walk
with us through the valley of the shadow of death (Psalm 23:4). Where
could we go in that hour—but
to the Lord?
Chorus: “Where
could I go, oh where could I go, seeking a refuge for my soul...”
The chorus drives the message home with humble repetition. The soul
needs refuge—not just the body, not just emotions. And the soul’s only
refuge is in God. Isaiah 26:3–4 tells us that perfect peace is found
when our mind is stayed on the Lord.
In trials, in death,
in loneliness, and in sin—we all must answer this question:
Where will I go? The faithful
soul responds without hesitation:
To the Lord.
Where Could I
Go? Sermon Outline:
Stanza
1: The Insufficiency of the World
-
Sinful world
offers little true comfort: Romans 8:22
-
Friends are
helpful but limited
-
God is our true
refuge: Psalm 46:1
Stanza 2: The
Limits of Human Relationships
-
Earthly
companionship is valuable: Proverbs 18:24
-
Only Jesus can
bear our soul’s burdens: Matthew 11:28–30
-
Salvation cannot
come from man
Stanza 3:
Facing Life and Death
-
God’s Word
brings daily comfort: Romans 15:4
-
Death is
inevitable: Hebrews 9:27
-
Jesus alone can
walk us through the valley: Psalm 23:4
Chorus: The
Soul’s Question and Answer
-
Our soul needs a
refuge: Isaiah 26:3–4
-
Jesus is that
refuge: John 6:68
-
There is nowhere
else to go
Call to Action:
Where will you go when life overwhelms you? Where will you go when death
draws near? There is only one true refuge—Jesus Christ. Have you come to
Him? Have you obeyed the gospel—repenting of sin, confessing His name,
and being baptized into Christ? If not, come now. If you have, remain in
Him. In sorrow and in joy, in life and in death, the answer is always
the same:
Where could I go but to the Lord?
Scripture
Reference List:
Psalm 46:1 – God is our refuge and strength
Romans 8:22 – Creation groans under sin
Proverbs 18:24 – A friend who sticks closer than a brother
Matthew 11:28–30 – Come to Me and I will give you rest
Romans 15:4 – Comfort through the Scriptures
Hebrews 9:27 – It is appointed unto men once to die
Psalm 23:4 – Walk through the valley with no fear
Isaiah 26:3–4 – Perfect peace in trusting God
John 6:68 – Lord, to whom shall we go?
Song Author
Credit:
“Where Could I Go?” was written by
James Buchanan (J.B.) Coats
(1901–1961), a Southern gospel songwriter and singer. He wrote this hymn
during a time of reflection on the challenges of life and the singular
sufficiency of Christ. His simple question resonates with generations of
believers who have found peace only in the Lord.
Song History:
Published in 1940, “Where Could I Go?” quickly became a Southern gospel
favorite and remains beloved in churches of Christ for its humble
message and sincere melody. It is often sung during invitations,
funerals, and moments of reflection, reminding the faithful that in
every trial, Jesus is our only refuge.
Prepared by
David Hersey of the church of Christ at Granby, MO
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