“The Lord is my shepherd…” -Psalm 23:1
Even the most dedicated and disciplined person finds themselves in places and situations they did not plan for. This is true for every aspect of our lives, including family, friends, work, and our spiritual life. We often struggle to remain focused 100% of the time. Some of us are more easily distracted than others, but we all go astray.
Robert Robinson understood this part of human nature. Robinson was a pastor during the time of John Wesley and George Whitfield. He had come to the faith after hearing the powerful preaching of Whitfield. This new commitment to Christ was later in life for Robinson. He was a barber when he became a Christian, but he would later become a pastor and leader of the faith in England. One of his gifts to the church was his writing. He would write many books, poems, and hymns. His most famous hymn is, Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing.
This hymn is written about the struggle we all have from time to time. We are easily sidetracked from our relationship with God. We cease to do the things we know help us to grow in our faith. None of us is immune to this. Robert Robinson wrote his beautiful hymn in the form of a prayer, one worth praying and singing on occasion.
Prone to wander, Lord I feel it
Prone to leave the God I love
Here’s my heart, oh take and seal it
Seal it for Thy courts above
Robinson understood that we need the grace of God to lead us in all areas of our lives. Thankfully, God is a good shepherd who loves and cares for his people. When we wander aimlessly, God’s grace is alongside. When we intentionally walk troubled paths, God’s mercy is before us. This is the gift of God. Our shepherd leads us. In love, God, with rod and staff in hand, guides us to the life He intends for us. Thankfully, no matter where we journey, “goodness and mercy” are following us “all the days of our lives.”
Come Thou fount of every blessing
Tune my heart to sing Thy grace
Streams of mercy never ceasing
Call for songs of loudest praise
Rev. Keith King, Pastor of Worship
