I know I've done an arrangement of this in the past, but I just couldn't rest without having an arrangement for four trombones. This is usually such a gentle hymn, but I realized that there are exclamation points in every verse. It is such a heartfelt and fervent prayer set to music. And through what better medium than the sound of trombones? The last verse of the arrangement was inspired by the seldom sung, triumphant fifth verse of the hymn:
Or if, on joyful wing
Cleaving the sky,
Sun, moon, and stars forgot,
upward I fly,
Still all my song shall be
Nearer, my God, to thee,
Nearer, my God, to thee,
Nearer to Thee!
Two of the topics this hymn is listed under in the LDS hymnbook are adversity and hope. We can take comfort in knowing that through our stony griefs, the dark nights, and while bearing our own cross, we will be brushed off and lifted up.
"[We] cannot bear all things now; nevertheless, be of good cheer, for [He] will lead [us] along." (D&C 78:18)
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