Scripture: “And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.” – Jeremiah 29:13
Examination of song: “Just a Closer Walk With Thee” is a traditional gospel song, most likely originating in the late 1800s. While the author is unknown, it is thought to date back to southern African-American churches of the 19th century. Its known history begins in 1940, when Kenneth Morris heard a porter singing it during a train trip. He then published the song with some revision, and it was recorded for the first time in 1941.
Application: One of my ministries after retirement is cleaning my church. It gives me a couple of days each week to be busy, and I truly enjoy it. One of the areas I dust and vacuum is my pastor’s office. Nearly every time I am there, I see my pastor sitting at his computer doing research for the messages he plans to preach to our church. His Bible is always open, and occasionally a reference book or two is as well. I mention this because my pastor is very learned in the Scriptures, and he has degrees from Bible college and seminary that attest to his years of study. Yet even though he has acquired all this knowledge, he still studies the Word of God continually to learn more and more about the Lord and to seek His guidance in shepherding his congregation. I share this not to praise my pastor (he would never like that!), but to emphasize that even those who have studied the Scriptures for years still need to cultivate their faith continually through an ongoing commitment to studying God’s Word on a regular basis. That is how to have a closer walk with Jesus, and we all should do likewise.
Deuteronomy 4:29 states, “But if from thence thou shalt seek the LORD thy God, thou shalt find him, if thou seek him with all thy heart and with all thy soul.” James 4:8 reiterates that action is required on our part to draw closer to God, “Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you.” Notice that both of these verses speak to a process that we initiate. We make the first move that draws God as close to us as we want Him to be.
Psalm 63:1-2 states, “O God, thou art my God; early will I seek thee: my soul thirsteth for thee, my flesh longeth for thee in a dry and thirsty land, where no water is; To see thy power and thy glory, so as I have seen thee in the sanctuary.” Seeking God goes beyond sitting in a Sunday school class or worship service once or twice a week, and it’s applicable to everyone – whether you’ve been actively serving God in a ministry for years or a new convert. Think back to a time when you really cared about someone. Maybe a spouse or close friend. The key factor in getting to know that person was to spend quality time with them. It’s the same with God. We invest our time with Him in two key ways: prayer and Bible study. Prayer shares our heart with God; Bible study shares His heart with us.
“Daily walking close to Thee…” is part of the lyrics of this hymn. Want a closer walk with God? Take action daily. Pray and read His Word each day, and you’ll discover a walk with Jesus that is intimate, personal, and much more than you ever thought it could be! 1 Chronicles 28:9 promises, “If thou seek Him, He will be found of thee…”
Memory Verse: “Seek ye the LORD while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near:” – Isaiah 55:6
Stretching your thoughts:
1. How would a “closer walk with Jesus” change your life?
2. What steps can you take today to make your walk with Him closer?
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.
Just a closer walk with Thee, grant it, Jesus, is my plea,
Daily walking close to Thee, let it be, dear Lord, let it be.
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.
Just a closer walk with Thee, grant it, Jesus, is my plea,
Daily walking close to Thee, let it be, dear Lord, let it be.
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. [Refrain]
Just a closer walk with Thee, grant it, Jesus, is my plea,
Daily walking close to Thee, let it be, dear Lord, let it be.
(from “Just a Closer Walk With Thee” - author unknown)