“Then Jacob awoke from his sleep and said, “Surely the Lord is in this place; and I did not know it.” – Genesis 28:16
Music has a powerful influence in our world and on our faith. Music has the ability to lift our spirits and give words to our deepest emotions. I have found, in some of the most difficult times of my life, music has given me the focus to help see my way through whatever situation might be.
One of the most wonderful hymns I know is “Nearer, My God, to Thee.” This beautiful hymn, written by Sarah Adams, is a prayer based on the vision Jacob experienced while he was resting at Bethel. During the night, Jacob dreamed that he saw a ladder going to heaven. God was standing at the top of the ladder. Jacob heard God share his wonderful words of promise. It was a blessing to Jacob. He was reminded that God was present in his life and that God’s love was there, no matter what.
In April of 1912, the RMS Titanic set sail from Southampton to New York City. Sadly, the maiden voyage of this grand ship ended in disaster. On Sunday night, April 14 the ship struck and iceberg. It took just over two hours for the massive ship to sink. Over 1,400 souls were lost that night.
There are many sad stories that are told about those terrible two hours. As the ship began to sink and evacuation was underway, people raced for the lifeboats, but there were not enough boats. Many of the boats had launched with just a few people. It soon became apparent that many would not leave the sinking ship. The musicians aboard the HMS Titanic set up on the deck and began to play. They attempted to add beauty and peace to the tragedy that was unfolding. One of the songs they chose to play was the comforting hymn, “Nearer, My God, to Thee.” It was a song of faith. Here are the words to this song that have brought peace and the closeness of God to so many. Perhaps today it will strengthen your faith, as well.
Nearer, my God, to Thee,
Nearer to Thee;
Even though it be a cross
That raiseth me,
Still all my song shall be
Nearer, my God, to Thee,
Nearer, my God, to Thee,
Nearer to Thee.
Though, like a wanderer,
The sun gone down,
Darkness comes over me,
My rest a stone;
Yet in my dreams I’d be
Nearer, my God, to Thee.
– Rev. Keith King, Pastor of Worship
