003 – God Himself is with us; Let us all adore Him,
And with awe appear before Him.
God is here within us; Soul, in silence fear Him,
Humbly, fervently draw near Him.
Now His own who have known God,
In worship lowly, Yield their spirits wholly.
2
Come, abide within me;
Let my soul, like Mary,
Be thine earthly sanctuary,
Come, in-dwelling Spirit,
With transfigured splendour;
Love and honour will I render.
Where I go here below,
Let me bow before Thee.
3
Gladly we surrender
Earths deceitful treasures,
Pride of Life, and sinful pleasures:
Gladly, Lord, we offer Thine to be forever,
Soul and life and each endeavour.
Thou alone shalt be known
Lord of all our being,
Lifes true way declaring.
Sheet Music & Downloads
Looking for the SDA Hymnal sheet music for this song?
Download PDF Sheet Music (Standard 4-Part Harmony)
Get the SDA Hymnal App (View on Mobile)
Download MIDI File (For Digital Pianos) from below
Hymnal History & The Story Behind the Hymn
Worship begins with a holy hush. When the German mystic Gerhard Tersteegen penned “Gott ist gegenwärtig” in 1729, he sought to capture the overwhelming majesty of a God who condescends to dwell among His people. Translated into English primarily by Frederick Foster and John Wesley, the hymn masterfully shifts our gaze from the cosmic where cherubim veil their faces to the deeply personal, begging God to inhabit the believer’s heart.
Its placement as the third entry in the 1985 Seventh-day Adventist Hymnal is intentional. Following two grand hymns of praise to the Trinity, “sda hymnal 003” grounds the congregation in the immediate, radical reality of the Divine presence. It sets a precise, reverent tone for the Sabbath hours, reminding believers that the sanctuary they occupy is holy ground.
SDA Hymns God Himself Is With Us
Major Song Key- G
Hymn Information Chart
| Detail | Fact |
| Hymn Number | 003 |
| Topic / Theme | Adoration and Praise / The Presence of God |
| Author (Lyrics) | Gerhard Tersteegen (Translated by Frederick Foster Pratt Green / John Wesley) |
| Composer / Tune Name | Joachim Neander / Wunderbarer König |
| Musical Key | A Major (commonly transposed to G Major for congregational comfort) |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary theme of SDA Hymnal 003?
The central theme is the absolute sovereignty and holy presence of God. It calls worshippers into a state of quiet reverence, urging them to silence worldly thoughts and offer pure adoration to the Creator who dwells among them.
Who wrote the original text for “God Himself Is With Us”?
Gerhard Tersteegen wrote the original German text in the early 18th century. Known for his deeply spiritual and quietist lifestyle, his mysticism shines through the text’s emphasis on internalizing God’s grand presence.
In what section of the SDA Hymnal is this song located, and when is it typically sung?
It is located at the very beginning of the “Worship” section under “Adoration and Praise.” Churches typically sing it as an introit or opening hymn to formally invite the congregation into a mindset of sacred worship.