Jesus, Draw Me Ever Nearer

Jesus, Draw Me Ever Nearer is a modern devotional hymn text written by Margaret Becker in the mid 1990s. The hymn arose from a deeply personal context of suffering and trust, as Becker wrote the text while reflecting on walking with Christ through trials and uncertainty. The words are prayerful, intimate, and firmly rooted in biblical themes of abiding in Christ and learning dependence through hardship.

The opening petition, “Jesus, draw me ever nearer,” echoes the language of Scripture that calls believers to remain in close fellowship with the Lord. John 15:4-5 provides a clear foundation for this theme, where Christ teaches that fruitfulness flows only from abiding in Him. The hymn presents nearness to Christ not as emotional comfort alone, but as a spiritual necessity for endurance and faithfulness.

A central strength of the hymn is its honest treatment of suffering. Rather than denying pain, the text acknowledges the “road I travel” and the cost of discipleship. Hebrews 12:11 is reflected in the recognition that discipline and trials are not joyful in the moment, yet they yield the peaceful fruit of righteousness. This realism gives the hymn lasting pastoral value, especially for believers walking through grief, illness, or prolonged difficulty.

The refrain emphasizes trust in Christ’s sufficient grace, drawing directly from 2 Corinthians 12:9. The believer is reminded that Christ does not always remove the burden, but He always provides strength to carry it. This reinforces a theology of the cross rather than a theology of ease, aligning the hymn closely with historic Christian teaching.

Keith Getty later composed a singable, contemplative tune that helped bring the hymn into wider congregational use. His melody supports the reflective character of the text without overwhelming it, making the hymn suitable for both corporate worship and personal devotion.

Jesus, Draw Me Ever Nearer continues to serve the church as a gentle yet profound prayer of faith. It teaches believers to cling to Christ not only in moments of joy, but especially in seasons of weakness, affirming the timeless truth that true hope is found in walking closely with the Savior.