by Sherelyn Mayberry
Synopsis: Gospel hymns possess the power to express our deepest spiritual longings. Drawing on tempestuous imagery, this song exhorts us to keep our eyes fixed on Jesus Christ, who will see us safely through the storm and lead us to heaven.
In the song, Jesus, Draw Me Ever Nearer (Psalms, Hymns, and Spiritual Songs, #650), we implore Jesus to draw us close as we navigate the storms of life. James tells us that if we draw near to God, He will draw near to us. As we submit to Him and resist the devil, God will give us strength to overcome the trials we face in our daily walk (Jas. 4:7-8). Striving through the Lord’s power helps fulfill our work of love even when facing difficult times (Col. 1:29). Faithfully travelling life’s journey requires us to labor through the storms, keep our spirit staid and sure, and gather treasures through the trials.
Labor requires hard work and effort. It is necessary to exert one’s power over mind and body with sometimes painful or strenuous effort. Christians should recognize that this labor is most effective because the Lord is on our side (Phil. 4:13). We must bear our own load and we will be held accountable for the way we carry our burden. As the Thessalonians were called through obedience, they manifested their “work of faith and labor of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Thess. 1:2-4). Faithful sisters in Christ, you will receive your reward after your works are tested by fire (1 Cor. 3:8, 13). God blesses those who persevere through the storms of life. When they die in the Lord, they will rest from their labors (Rev. 14:13).
Through Jesus’s guidance, our spirit can remain staid and sure. He teaches us to be earnest and serious about our passage through life. When our thoughts are governed and guided by the Father’s will, we should be confident and undoubting. Rather than falling from your steadfastness when tested by error, grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus (2 Pet. 3:17-18). Take hold of Jesus’s right hand and let Him guide you with His counsel. When life is over, He will receive you to glory (Ps. 73:23-24). Lay aside the encumbrances and sin that tempt you and fix your eyes on Jesus. Seeing what He endured will help you to not grow weary and lose heart (Heb. 12:1-3). Peter walked on the water toward Jesus until he shifted his focus to the wind and waves, doubted, and began to sink. (Matt. 14:28-31). Therefore, draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so you may receive mercy and help in time of need (Heb. 4:16). The Philippians supported Paul through many trials and he prayed for them that their love might abound still more as they grow in knowledge and spiritual discernment. He wanted them to be sincere and blameless (Phil. 1:7, 9-10).
Lay up heavenly treasures through the trials of this life. Jesus said, “Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” So, let us focus on eternity through the storm, and we will enjoy the reward one day (Matt. 6:20-21). In the parable of the dragnet, fish (the treasure) were gathered. The good fish were placed in containers for positive use, and the bad were thrown away (Matt. 13:47-48, 52). Out of your good treasure bring forth what is good, so speak words of encouragement and righteousness even in tough times (Matt. 12:35). Our treasure is in earthen vessels, so the power of God will be glorified as we let our light shine, even if we are being afflicted and tried on every hand (2 Cor. 4:7-10). “Our momentary light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory,” so look to what is eternal—not temporal (2 Cor. 4: 17-18).
Focus on the blessing at the end of earth’s testing, when the faithful will rise to be with the Lord. Maintain joy through trials, because testing of your faith produces endurance. Let endurance have its perfect work (Jas. 1:2-4). The Israelites were tested to be humbled, so God would know whether they would keep His commandments. When good fruit was borne through trials, they experienced God’s bountiful blessings (Deut. 8:2, 16). Therefore, let us rejoice in the fiery ordeals wherein we share in Christ’s suffering. When He comes to take us home, we can exult in triumph and awake to see and share in His glory (1 Pet. 4:12-13).
The song, “Jesus, Draw Me Ever Nearer,” was written by Margaret Becker (2001), tune by Keith Getty (2001), arranged by Charles L. Willis. Psalms, Hymns, and Spiritual Songs. David Maravilla, Mark Coulson, Steve Wolfgang, C. E. Couchman, & Craig Roberts, editors. Athens, AL: Sumphonia, 2012.
