Prone to Wander

A famous line found in the third verse of the hymn “Come Thou fount” by Robert Robinson still challenges the growing christian today. The core of temptation that describes the depraved heart of mankind. Oh how many of us wander so far away from God daily and are unaware of when we do so. Why is it that a man can be tempted in so many areas of his life? The urge to feed the filthiness inside our hearts, initiates in our minds. Instead of dismissing it immediately, we allow it to linger yet lounge until our hearts are satisfied. Seeking ways to soothe our quest until we’ve reached that climax. Some men carry it out in various ways without realizing the hurt and pain that lies ahead. Others soon awake, shaking off the mare thought of what’s currently happening. Thanking God for granting them Grace before taking a major plunge.

Wandering takes shape in various ways that causes the heart to follow suit. Eventually the greed or selfishness gets the best of us then we seek to justify our actions by way of lining it up with scriptures. Preaching to ourselves as if God is directing us to do so. Unfortunately our wandering puts us in predicaments where it’s difficult to bounce back from. You know, trying to keep up with the “Jones” knowing that we are way out of their league. Now you’re forced to be obligated to that envying door you’ve opened. Meanwhile the Jones are doing what they're supposed to do, tempting you in every way they can. How about wanting the wrong thing like seeking a mate, knowing God is talking to you sending signs saying wait no need to be anxious. But you’re not wanting to hear that, instead you take things into your own hands. Unfortunately you didn’t get that mate but a child was produced in that temporary relationship. You are now obligated to turn your attention towards that new child all by yourself, sometimes without the support of the other party who helped in the creation.

No matter what we are chasing that new job, car, house, side chick, side guy and all the more our hearts desire the wickedness behind its chase. “Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it,” yes we do feel it and at times we want God to close His eyes while we chase after the very thing He does not want us too. Then when we are caught, we surrender ourselves asking God to take our hearts. How often do we do that? Over and over again we see the foolishness of our own actions as to find ourselves prostrated seeking forgiveness. It’s so true a statement where sin abounds, so does Grace and even more of it. God can turn a situation into a blessing thats unknown to us even when our hearts acknowledge the wrongs we've done.

Maybe the writer of this song wanted to chase after things knowing it was for short pleasure, in his mind the mare thought of wanting us to know what it feels like. While fighting to focus on good things, the smallest sign of a temptation becomes attractive, setting his mind elsewhere. He himself being enticed by gang affiliation in his late teens, he knew they were up to no good but felt that inner need to join them. Not wanting to wander away from his faith he simply asks God to control his heart and mind as he grows in the knowledge of his faith. The turning point for him was when his friends mocked and heckled a street preacher. Oh that tore his heart and compelled him some years later to put these lyrics to paper.

“Here’s my heart, Lord take and seal it….”

Oh how often believers fall into the same entrapment finding themselves compelled to seek forgiveness from God. Daily this happens to us all and by God’s grace and we are able to catch ourselves from falling. Time and time again He sees us and grants forgiveness of our sins. The enemy will make us feel as if God has cheated us from life then makes us feel isolated and unworthy after we’ve indulged or partake thereof in its lust. But God grants us strength and encourages us to not fall into such ploy that will make us wander away from our faith in Him. Therefore we have nothing to fear when we are alone. Thanks be to God.

Prayer:

Dear Lord help me to hear your voice when being tempted, help me to turn away from the things that spark my interest knowing you are not in its plans. Grant me to see the bigger picture of how your kingdom is more precious than these things on earth. Soften my heart to recognize the difference between whats right verses whats wrong. Help my unbelief!

In Jesus Name,