Be With Me, Lord

Be With Me, Lord is a heartfelt hymn by Thomas O. Chisholm, the well-known American hymn writer best remembered for Great Is Thy Faithfulness. In this hymn, Chisholm expresses the deep need of every believer for the abiding presence of Christ. The text reflects the humble prayer of a soul aware of its weakness, trials, and dependence upon God.

The hymn is structured as a plea for God’s presence in every circumstance of life: in times of weakness, sorrow, temptation, and even at the moment of death. Each verse unfolds a different aspect of human frailty and the sufficiency of Christ’s companionship. Chisholm’s words echo the promise of Jesus in Matthew 28:20, “Lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world,” and the assurance of Hebrews 13:5, “I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.”

Like Psalm 23:4, which assures believers of God’s presence in the valley of the shadow of death, this hymn offers comfort by turning the heart toward Christ’s faithful nearness. Chisholm’s poetic style conveys both reverence and intimacy, teaching Christians to rest in the presence of the Lord as their constant companion.

While many of Chisholm’s hymns center on God’s faithfulness, Be With Me, Lord emphasizes God’s nearness. It reminds worshippers that the Christian walk is not lived in isolation, but in continual fellowship with the Lord. This hymn has been cherished in worship for its devotional quality, serving as a prayer in song that believers can make their own in times of joy or distress.