—Bind my wandering heart to thee—
A scripture to consider:
This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God… ( 2 Timothy 3:1 – 4)
Every day the fulfillment of this prophecy becomes more and more apparent. The world today is a scary place, with all these evils all around us, even infiltrating our families. What can we do to fight this tide of evil, this wave of wickedness? One of the answers is found in the same chapter:
But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them; And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works. (2 Timothy 3:14 – 17)
As I consider the implications of these scriptures I am reminded of how imperfect I am in my attempts to implement daily personal scripture study. I tend to do all right for a while, then slack off. I need to be more steady in my efforts with both daily scripture study as well as with personal prayers. These are the basics by which we put on the armour of God. “Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.” (Ephesians 6:13)
When I fail to take the simple steps of personal scripture study and personal prayer, I leave myself vulnerable to the temptations of Satan. And he is not stupid – he is astute in his attacks. He knows our weaknesses – he knows my weaknesses. I pray that the Lord will strengthen me in my daily battles with this enemy, that I may come off conqueror and draw nearer to God. The words of the hymn become my prayer:
“O to grace how great a debtor
Daily I’m constrained to be!
Let that grace now like a fetter,
Bind my wandering heart to Thee.
Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it,
Prone to leave the God I love;
Here’s my heart, O take and seal it,
Seal it for Thy courts above.”
I am so grateful this day for Heavenly Father’s mercy and grace. I am so grateful for Jesus’ love and mercy too. I am grateful that I can repent of my sins. I know that I am so far from perfect, but I am trying. I am just grateful to know that the Lord loves us all so much and wants us all to return to him. I am grateful for my family and the gospel of Jesus Christ on this Sabbath day.
May we all follow the example of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. I know that he is my Savior.
I am inspired by reading your blog, Andy. I, too, am prone to wander at times. Then someone comes and takes my hand and leads me home!!! Thanks for adding “Come, Thou Fount.” Keep up the blog!!!