A man’s heart deviseth his way: but the LORD directeth his steps (Proverbs 16:9 KJV).

Life

Remember those plans I shared earlier? I did not complete everything, but I finished the most important tasks on my to-do list.

Spending time with Jesus.
Studying the book of James with my daughter.
Finishing edits on my novel.

I am pleased with this summer despite being sick for several weeks. I can’t tell you how much I enjoyed digging into the book of James. And I’m still rummaging through it. James’ words to “the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad” stirred a greater desire to draw closer to my Lord.

The Song

As we studied and prayed, the hymn “Just a Closer Walk with Thee” came to mind. Have you heard it? I have sung and played this song for years. But I never noticed the top of the page until this week. When searching my hymnals this week, I was surprised to find the words and music attributed to an anonymous author. So we can only guess what the author was thinking and feeling while writing the words.

Disappointed, I searched the title online. Rather than find the author, I found the man who made the song famous. Horace C. Boyer wrote the story of Kenneth Morris and the well-known hymn in How Sweet the Sound.

While resting at a train station in 1940, songwriter Kenneth Morris heard a porter singing “Just a Closer Walk with Thee.” The song stuck. Morris continued his journey but was unable to forget the lyrics. At the next train station, he purchased a return ticket. When he arrived back at the station, he found the porter and asked him to sing the song again so he could write down the words. He added more lyrics and later published the song that same year. Morris gave the porter credit in a line below the title.

“As sung by Mr. William B. Hurst of Kansas City. Mo.”

In 1944, he took it to the National Baptist Convention, and everyone loved it. The song has been recorded by artists such as Louis Armstrong, Ella Fitzgerald, Patsy Cline, Merle Haggard, Alan Jackson, Johnny Cash, Bob Dillon, Oak Ridge Boys, Alabama, Ike and Tina Turner, Mahalia Jackson, Sara Evans, Willie Nelson, Wynton Marsalis and Eric Clapton, Anne Murray, Tennessee Ernie Ford, Randy Travis, Lynda Randle, The Jackson Southernaires, Charley Pride, BJ Thomas, Connie Smith, The Jordanaires, Jimmy Swaggart, and Jerry Lee Lewis.

As you can see, it has been sung to diverse audiences. From New Orleans to Nashville to New York City. From country to gospel to jazz to rock and roll. I found that amazing. Let’s take a look at the lyrics.

Just a Closer Walk with Thee

I am weak but Thou art strong;
Jesus, keep me from all wrong.
I’ll be satisfied as long
As I walk, let me walk close to Thee.

(Truth)
There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it (1 Corinthians 10:13).

During seasons of trials and temptations, our weaknesses are revealed. But there is power in the name of Jesus. Through His blood, we can triumph over the enemy! The key is to study the Bible, pray daily, and walk by His side on the straight and narrow path.

Just a closer walk with Thee,
Grant it, Jesus, is my plea.
Daily walking close to the Thee,
Let it be, dear Lord, let it be.

(Truth)
He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake (Psalm 23:3).
Shew me thy ways, O LORD; teach me thy paths (Psalm 25:4).
All the paths of the LORD are mercy and truth unto such as keep his covenant and his testimonies (Psalm 25:10).

When we ask for guidance, the Lord will direct us on the right path, leading us away from trouble.

Thro’ this world of toil and snares,
If I falter, Lord, who cares?
Who with me my burden shares?
None but Thee, dear Lord, none but Thee.

(Truth)
Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin (Hebrews 4:14-15).

At times, it may seem like we are alone. No one seems to understand how we feel or what we are going through. However, there is one who knows all.

When my feeble life is o’er,
Time for me will be no more;
Guide me gently, safely o’er
To Thy kingdom shore, to Thy shore.

(Truth)
And even to your old age I am he; and even to hoar hairs will I carry you: I have made, and I will bear; even I will carry, and will deliver you (Isaiah 46:4).

We need not worry about being abandoned in old age. God reminded His people that He was God. He had not changed. He had watched over them in the beginning. He would watch over them until the end. He created them. He was strong enough to carry them. The Lord hasn’t changed. He will see us to the end of our journey. What a comforting thought!

After learning more about this hymn, I hope it has become dear to you. I can’t say it’s one of my favorites, but I can say it has ministered to me this summer.

Until next time…

Learn More

Luke Powell, Just a Closer Walk with Thee
Horace Clarence Boyer, How Sweet the Sound
Kenneth Morris – Hymnology Archive