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
