Take Heart for Christ Is Near
Hymns and Songs for the Journey to Glory
Though trials, tears, and even great loss come upon us, we need not fear or lose heart. Our faithful God is near us and guides us every step of our journey.
Now available and streaming on all your favorite platforms
Tracks include:
Download free sheet music, chord charts, and lyrics to each of the hymns and songs on this (EP) Album.
2025 was a difficult year. My Dad had been battling cancer for several years and in January we learned that it had spread and it might be near to the time when God would call him home. I knew that some rough trials were ahead in the new year. We didn’t know how long or how short those trials would be, but we did know that God is good. God was orchestrating all events and would accomplish His will and do what was best for Dad and for our family.
My Dad and I shared a love for John Bunyan’s book, The Pilgrim’s Progress. One of the obvious lessons that Bunyan conveys in the book is that this life a journey. It’s not our destination.It is not a place where we settle in to stay. This life is a pilgrimage where we look to Christ and press on. We are traveling from a sinful, fallen world (a City of Destruction) to a better place—a glorious place (the Celestial City)—to heaven where we shall be forever with our Lord and Savior.
In kindness God keeps short the time we spend here. The journey is often hard and dangerous. We face trials and battle sin. We must resolve to press on and walk by faith. But compared to eternity, this life is but a vapor. And while there are many wonderful things in this life—family, church, friends, and a multitude of other blessings—here we are simply sojourners. For those who are trusting in Christ, God has promised to bring us safely to the end of our journey, to bring us home to be with Him. And He has promised that as we make this journey He will never leave us or forsake us.
As I a thought of my Dad completing his journey—God using the trial of cancer to wean him from this life and usher him safely to his destination at home with Christ—I set out to write a song. I wanted the song to encourage my Dad, to hearten and preach to myself, and to share with family and friends. I finished the song in May 2025 and saved it to sing for my Dad on Father’s Day.
I didn’t know then that only a few days later, Dad’s health would quickly decline and he would be in hospice care—and 10 short days later God would call him home. I sang the song more times while I sat with my Dad as he neared the end of his journey.
It was a great comfort to me to see my Dad end his journey well. He had a strong faith and heartfelt compassion for family, friends, and those who were caring for him. Though trials, tears, and even great loss come upon us, we need not fear or lose heart. Our faithful God is near us and guides us every step of our journey.
Take Heart for Christ Is Near
“My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand. My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of My Father’s hand. I and My Father are one.” (John 10:27–30).
Here in this world
We live each day
Yet as sojourners
Christ leads us on
To glory and
Our destiny assures
Each day may bring
Its joys and pains
Yet by faith we know
God holds us in
His loving hands
He will not let us go.
This journey leads to glory
Take heart and do not fear
Our Shepherd’s with us always
Take heart for Christ is near
Though days grow dark
The pathway dim
Yet the Lord still reigns
So walk by faith
Stay in the fight
For this our God ordains
Though victory seems
A distant dream
Yet it is assured
Keep watch, believe
Cease not from prayer
For God will keep His Word
This journey leads to glory
Take heart and do not fear
Our Shepherd’s with us always
Take heart for Christ is near
A little while
We must endure
Yet the dawn is near
When darkness fades
And we shall see
God’s glory bright and fair.
Though trials come
And tears rain down
Yet we lift our praise
For one day soon
We all shall be
At home with Christ always
This journey leads to glory
Take heart and do not fear
Our Shepherd’s with us always
Take heart for Christ is near
He’s with us now and always
Take heart for Christ is near
Words and Music ©2025 Kenneth A Puls
For my Dad who finished his journey and is now home with Christ in glory
This song is featured on the Upcoming EP:
“Take Heart for Christ Is Near”
Hymns and Songs for the Journey to Glory
Coming January 9, 2026
WORDS: Ken Puls, May 24, 2025
MUSIC: Ken Puls, May 24, 2025
THEME: Christ’s Presence and Guidance through Life’s Journey
Words and Music ©2025 Kenneth A Puls
Thus they went on, till they came at the foot of the Hill Difficulty, where, again, their good friend, Mr. Great-heart, took an occasion to tell them of what happened there when Christian himself went by. So he had them first to the spring. Lo, said he, this is the spring that Christian drank of, before he went up this hill; and then it was clear and good, but now it is dirty with the feet of some that are not desirous that pilgrims here should quench their thirst. Thereat Mercy said, And why so envious, trow? But, said their guide, it will do, if taken up, and put into a vessel that is sweet and good; for then the dirt will sink to the bottom, and the water come out by itself more clear. Thus, therefore, Christiana and her companions were compelled to do. They took it up, and put it into an earthen pot, and so let it stand till the dirt was gone to the bottom, and then they drank thereof.
Notes and Commentary
Great-Heart continues to guide the pilgrims, retracing the steps of Christian in Part 1, to the “foot of Hill Difficulty.” Hill Difficulty represents the difficulties and struggles we as believers experience in this life. In a world that is fallen and marred by sin, the Way is often hard, especially as we seek to honor God and walk in the light of His Word.
Before going up the hill, Great-Heart takes the pilgrims to a spring. The spring represents God’s gracious provision to prepare and strengthen us to face life’s troubles and trials. As we live as pilgrims in the world making our way to the Celestial City, God is faithful to sustain us and provide for our needs. While God certainly provides for our physical needs, He also fortifies us spiritually. This is primarily accomplished through the preaching and teaching of God’s Word.
Continue reading Notes and Commentary
The text for The Pilgrim’s Progress is public domain.
Notes and Commentary for Part II ©2014, 2025 Ken Puls
Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are from
the New King James Version (NKJV) ©1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc.
Return to A Guide to John Bunyan’s The Pilgrim’s Progress Part 2
Now I saw, still in my dream, that they went on until they were come to the place that Simple and Sloth and Presumption lay and slept in when Christian went by on pilgrimage; and behold, they were hanged up in irons a little way off on the other side.
Mercy: Then said Mercy to him that was their guide and conductor, “What are those three men? And for what are they hanged there?”
Great-heart: These three men were men of very bad qualities. They had no minds to be pilgrims themselves, and whomsoever they could they hindered. They were for sloth and folly themselves, and whoever they could persuade they made so too, and withal taught them to presume that they should do well at last. They were asleep when Christian went by; and now you go by, they are hanged.
Mercy: But could they persuade any to be of their opinion?
Great-heart: Yes, they turned several out of the way. There was Slow-Pace that they persuaded to do as they. They also prevailed with one Short-Wind, with one No-Heart, with one Linger-After-Lust, and with one Sleepy-Head; and with a young woman—her name was Dull—to turn out of the way and become as they. Besides, they brought up an ill report of your Lord, persuading others that He was a taskmaster. They also brought up an evil report of the good land, saying it was not half so good as some pretend it was. They also began to defame His servants, and to count the very best of them meddlesome, troublesome busybodies. Further, they would call the bread of God, husks, the comforts of His children, fancies, the travel and labor of pilgrims, things to no purpose.
Christina: “Nay,” said Christina, “if they were such, they shall never be bewailed by me. They have but what they deserve, and I think it is well that they hang so near the highway, that others may see and take warning. But had it not been well if their crimes had been engraven in some plate of iron or brass, and left here, even where they did their mischiefs, for a caution to other bad men?Great-heart: So it is, as you well may perceive, if you will go a little to the wall.
Mercy: No, no; let them hang, and their names rot, and their crimes live for ever against them. I think it a high favor that they were hanged before we came hither. Who knows else what they might have done to such poor women as we are?
Then she turned it into a song, saying:
“Now then, you three, hang there, and be a sign
To all that shall against the truth combine;
And let him that comes after fear this end,
If unto pilgrims he is not a friend.
And you, my soul, of all such men beware,
That unto holiness opposers are.”
Notes and Commentary
Not far from the cross, the pilgrims come across a fearful scene. They find three men, whom Christian encountered in Part 1 of The Pilgrim’s Progress, now “hanged up in irons.” Simple, Sloth, and Presumption had ventured near the cross, yet chose to remain tethered to this world. Despite Christian’s warning, they refused to acknowledge the peril of turning aside from the Way. Now their chains have ensnared and strangled them.
Continue Reading Notes and Commentary
The text for The Pilgrim’s Progress is public domain.
Notes and Commentary for Part II ©2014, 2025 Ken Puls
Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are from
the New King James Version (NKJV) ©1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc.
Return to A Guide to John Bunyan’s The Pilgrim’s Progress Part 2
His Unmistakable Hand
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
And lean not on your own understanding;
In all your ways acknowledge Him,
And He shall direct your paths.
Do not be wise in your own eyes;
Fear the Lord and depart from evil.
It will be health to your flesh,
And strength to your bones.”
(Proverbs 3:5–8)
Stream this song from the Album “Come Walk in the Light of the Lord”
His Unmistakable Hand
I find each day a thousand ways
Your kindnesses abound
In trials and in joys alike
Your goodness can be found
For You work all things for my good
To You belongs all praise
Safe in Your hand through ev’ry storm
You care for me always
Your unmistakable hand
Is guiding all I do
Clear evidence of Your grace
In all You’ve brought me through
I cannot doubt the path You’ve set
My journey You have planned
So give me eyes each day to see
Your unmistakable hand
God fully orchestrates each day
I live and move and breathe
He works His will when I rejoice
As well as when I grieve
No wasted pain or needless grief
He stays my hand from sin
He weans me from a dying world
and draws me near again
His unmistakable hand
Is guiding all I do
Clear evidence of His grace
In all He’s brought me through
I cannot doubt the path He’s set
My journey He has planned
With grateful eyes each day I see
His unmistakable hand
So trust the Lord with all your heart
You need not understand
Acknowledge Him in all your ways
He’ll guide you with His hand
Do not be wise in your own eyes
Flee sin and fear the Lord
This is the way to strength and health
When you believe His Word.
His unmistakable hand
Is guiding all we do
Clear evidence of His grace
In all He’s brought us through
Don’t ever doubt the path He’s set
The journey He has planned
With grateful eyes behold each day
His unmistakable hand
Words ©2020 Kenneth A Puls
Music ©2013, 2020 Kenneth A Puls
Free Sheet Music, Chord Charts, and Lyrics from the Album “Come Walk in the Light of the Lord”
More Hymns and Songs by Ken Puls
Watch for new music coming later this fall!
Hymns and Songs for Christian Sojourners
Come, trust in God, and walk in the light of His Word as we journey through this life to glory.
Now available and streaming on all your favorite platforms
Tracks include:
Download free sheet music, chord charts, and lyrics to each of the hymns and songs on this album.
Now I saw in my dream, that they went on, and Great-Heart went before them; so they went and came to the place where Christian’s burden fell off his back and tumbled into a sepulchre. Here, then, they made a pause; and here also they blessed God. “Now,” said Christiana, “it comes to my mind what was said to us at the gate; to wit, that we should have pardon by word and deed: by word, that is, by the promise; by deed, to wit, in the way it was obtained. What the promise is, of that I know something; but what is it to have pardon by deed, or in the way that it was obtained? Mr. Great-Heart, I suppose you know? Wherefore, if you please, let us hear your discourse thereof.”
Great-Heart: Pardon by the deed done is pardon obtained by someone for another that has need thereof; not by the person pardoned, but in the way, says another, in which I have obtained it. So, then, to speak to the question more largely, the pardon that you and Mercy and these boys have attained was obtained by another: to wit, by Him that let you in at the gate. And He has obtained it in this double way: He has performed righteousness to cover you; and spilt blood to wash you in.
Christiana: But if He parts with His righteousness to us, what will He have for Himself?
Great-Heart: He has more righteousness than you have need of, or than He needs Himself.
Christiana Pray make that appear.
Continue Reading The Pilgrim’s Progress
Notes and Commentary
Under the care of Great-Heart, the pilgrims go first to the cross. It is here where Christian’s burden fell off in Part 1 of The Pilgrim’s Progress and it is here where the pilgrims stop to give praise to God.
It is significant that Great-Heart leads the pilgrims to the cross. In the allegory, he represents a pastor and preacher of the gospel. He serves as a guide and is determined to point those under his care to Christ. Paul tells the church in Corinth:
And I, brethren, when I came to you, did not come with excellence of speech or of wisdom declaring to you the testimony of God. For I determined not to know anything among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified (1 Corinthians 2:1–2).
As the pilgrims look to the cross, an opportunity arises for Great-Heart to instruct them. Christiana remembers when she received pardon from the Lord at the Gate. At that time, the Lord assured the pilgrims: “I grant pardon by word and deed: by word, in the promise of forgiveness; by deed, in the way I obtained it. Take the first from my lips with a kiss, and the other as it shall be revealed.” She gladly received the promise, but does not yet understand the deed—how Christ secured her pardon. She has questions and looks to Great-Heart for answers.
Continue reading Notes and Commentary
The text for The Pilgrim’s Progress is public domain.
Notes and Commentary for Part II ©2014, 2025 Ken Puls
Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are from
the New King James Version (NKJV) ©1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc.
Return to A Guide to John Bunyan’s The Pilgrim’s Progress Part 2
The Interpreter then called for a manservant of his, one Great-Heart, and bade him take sword, and helmet, and shield. “And take these my daughters,” said he, “and conduct them to the house called Beautiful, at which place they will rest next.” So he took his weapons, and went before them; and the Interpreter said, “God speed!” Those also that belonged to the family sent them away with many a good wish; so they went on their way, and sung:
“This place has been our second stage:
Here we have heard and seen
Those good things that, from age to age,
To others hid have been.
The Dunghill raker, Spider, Hen,
The Chicken, too, to me
Hath taught a lesson: let me then
Conformed to it be.
The Butcher, Garden, and the Field,
The Robin, and his bait—
Also the Rotten Tree—doth yield
Me argument of weight:
To move me for to watch and pray;
To strive to be sincere;
To take my cross up day by day,
And serve the Lord with fear.”
Notes and Commentary
As the pilgrims prepare to resume their journey, the Interpreter graciously provides for a pressing need. Since setting out for the Celestial City, they have lacked a guide. As they begin the next stage of their journey, the Interpreter commissions one of his male servants to “conduct them to the House called Beautiful.”
Early in their journey, the pilgrims encountered perils along the Way. They heard the barking of a menacing dog. They were enticed by forbidden fruit. And they were assaulted by two ill-favored ones. In all these circumstances, they lacked a guide to help them recognize and avoid danger.
Continue reading Notes and Commentary
The text for The Pilgrim’s Progress is public domain.
Notes and Commentary for Part II ©2014, 2025 Ken Puls
Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are from
the New King James Version (NKJV) ©1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc.
Return to A Guide to John Bunyan’s The Pilgrim’s Progress Part 2
New Recording
Listen and download a recording of this song from Bandcamp:
“And the apostles said to the Lord, ‘Increase our faith.’” (Luke 17:5).
Abiding Faith
A prayer that God would create in us a true and an abiding faith that will anchor us firmly in Christ and remain steadfast through all trials and troubles of this life.
A true and an abiding faith,
Create within our hearts,
A faith that carries us to Christ
And ne’er from Him departs.
Fashion us that we may be
Vessels ready to receive
Your Word, O Lord, help us to know
And ev’ry word believe.
Lord, give us an obedient faith
That comes with no demands,
But bows submissive to Your Word,
Delights in Your commands.
We want not faith that boasts itself
In pious words and deeds,
Nor faith that seeks the praise of men
Yet God’s Word will not heed.
Lord, give to us a humble faith
That boasts in Christ alone.
A faith that boldly speaks His name
And bows beneath His throne.
Create in us a saving faith,
A faith that will remain.
We need a faith not of ourselves,
Lest we believe in vain.
Search us now, our hearts expose;
Ev’ry spurious hope make known,
That we may flee from empty faith
And look to Christ alone.
Each day increase our faith, O Lord,
More firmly placed in You.
In mercy lift us when we fail
That we may walk anew.
We want not faith that rests content
In blessings of this life,
Nor faith that fails to persevere
Through trials, pain, and strife.
A true and an abiding faith,
Lord, grant to us, we pray;
A faith that will not fail or fade,
Create in us today!
Words and Music by Ken Puls
Set to the Tune: ABIDING FAITH
Words and Music ©2002 Kenneth A Puls
Download the lyrics and free sheet music for this song, including an arrangement of the tune ABIDING FAITH for classical guitar.
More Hymns and Songs by Ken Puls
Above image made from Unsplash
Then said the Interpreter again to the damsel that waited upon these women, “Go into the vestry, and fetch out garments for these people.” So she went, and fetched out white raiment, and laid it down before him; so he commanded them to put it on. It was fine linen, white and clean. When the women were thus adorned, they seemed to be a terror one to the other; for that they could not see that glory each one on herself which they could see in each other. Now therefore, they began to esteem each other better than themselves; “For you are fairer than I am,” said one; “And you are more comely than I am,” said another. The children also stood amazed to see into what fashion they were brought.
Notes and Commentary
Once the pilgrims are cleansed and sealed, the Interpreter instructs Innocent to bring them fine white garments. This mirrors Christian’s experience in Part 1 of The Pilgrim’s Progress. When Christian’s burden tumbles away at the cross, the Shining Ones tell him his sins are forgiven (cleansed) and they clothe him with a “change of raiment.” They also set a Mark on his forehead and give him a Roll with a Seal on it, identifying him as belonging to Christ.
The imagery of “fine linen, white and clean” comes from the book of Revelation.
Continue Reading Notes and Commentary
The text for The Pilgrim’s Progress is public domain.
Notes and Commentary for Part II ©2014, 2024 Ken Puls
Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are from
the New King James Version (NKJV) ©1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc.
Return to A Guide to John Bunyan’s The Pilgrim’s Progress Part 2