Lyrics
Verse 1
I am weak but Thou art strong
Jesus keep me from all wrong
I'll be satisfied as long as I walk
Dear Lord, close to Thee.
Chorus
Just a closer walk with Thee
Grant it Jesus, is my plea
Daily walkin' close to Thee
Let it be, dear Lord, let it be.
Verse 2
Through this world of toils and snares
If I falter Lord, who cares?
Who with me my burden shares?
None but Thee, dear Lord, none but Thee.
Chorus (Repeat)
Just a closer walk with Thee
Grant it Jesus, is my plea
Daily walkin' close to Thee
Let it be, dear Lord, let it be.
Verse 3
When my feeble life is o'er
And time for me will be no more
Guide me gently, safely o'er
To Thy kingdom dear Lord, to Thy shore.
Chorus (Repeat)
Just a closer walk with Thee
Grant it Jesus, is my plea
Daily walkin' close to Thee
Let it be, dear Lord, let it be.
Video
Meaning & Inspiration
“Just a Closer Walk with Thee,” performed here by Randy Travis, is a hymn-style prayer for nearness to Jesus. The first verse admits weakness, “I am weak but Thou art strong,” and asks to be kept from wrong. That contrast is close to 2 Corinthians 12:9-10, where strength is made perfect in weakness. The chorus states the whole request: “Just a closer walk with Thee, grant it, Jesus, is my plea,” which expresses a wish for daily companionship.
The second verse describes the world as full of toils and snares and asks who will share the burden if the singer falters, answering “None but Thee.” That thought is close to 1 Peter 5:7, which invites casting every care on God, and to Psalm 23:4, where God is present in the dark valley.
The last verse looks toward the end of life and asks to be guided gently and safely to the shore of the Lord’s kingdom. The hymn’s message is humble dependence on Christ from now until the end of life.
Related Scripture
- 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 Strength made perfect in weakness
- 1 Peter 5:7 Casting all anxiety on God
- Psalm 23:4 God’s presence in the valley