Just A Closer Walk With Thee

Sometimes I’ve thought about ‘Being a Christian’ as a set beliefs I hold, a moral framework I live by, things I do, a group of people I meet with…

I like this picture of ‘walking with Jesus’. I don’t just visit him on Sunday or pick up friendship when it suits me. I don’t ask someone to have a word with him, or book an appointment when I have a problem.

It’s ‘daily close walking’ with someone I know, talk to, listen to, relate to…

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.

We think we should be independent individuals with rights and opinions… When I look at my individuality I see my weaknesses, my failures, my disappointments… and I sometimes feel alone.

‘Daily close walking’ with, my friend, my brother gives me companionship, encouragement, guidance, wisdom, peace…

Through 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.

Life’s journey… green pastures, still waters, the dark valley… Sometimes I’m carrying baggage from my past… a burden that I’ve recently acquired… and I haven’t a clue what hazards may be round tomorrows corner.

I need ‘Daily close walking’.  

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.

This verse doesn’t come in this version of the song… ‘Daily close walking’ continues for as long as I have, as long as it takes… and I remember Paul’s reminder: ‘We walk by faith, not by sight’. (2 Corinthians 5:7) and James words ‘Come near to God and he will come near to you.’ (James 4:8)