I dont know if you remember my post on "It is Well with my Soul" - but that story just impacted me so much & I was looking at other hymns. This story hit me too but in such a different way - such a sad ending...
The man who wrote this song was a "punk" teen - which made the lesson even better for the Jr. Highers! - but he went to church with friends one night to "scoff at the poor Methodists"... he didnt know what some good preaching could do! He left a follower of Christ! Not at all what he was expecting going in!
He studies the Bible - became very wise in the Bible - & then felt the call on his life to become a Pastor. During this time is when he wrote that song "Come Thou Fount".... You can see the words of his life in that verse:
"Jesus saught me when a stranger, wandering from the fold of God - He to rescue me from danger, interposed His precious blood"
The part that really struck me - I cant sing these next few verses without getting choked up - never have been...
"Prone to wander, Lord I feel it - Prone to leave the God I love..."
A long story put in simple words... Robet Robinson wandered from His God - the God he loved - the God he knew & told so many others about. He didnt come back either.
There is a story that he was on a stage coach one time & a lady riding along with him was singing that song & asked him if he liked it, His response was:
"Madam, I am the poor unhappy man who wrote that hymn many years ago, and I would give a thousand worlds, if I had them, to enjoy the feelings I had then."
Can't you hear the saddness in his voice....poor unhappy man... I would give a thousand worlds...
He KNEW who God was - that God would take him back... but something must have kept him away....
The irony in the lyrics he wrote...
Prone to wander, Lord I feel it - Prone to leave the God I love... Here's my heart, O take & seal it - seal it for they courts above.
Lord - seal my heart...
Wow!! It is a sad story I wonder what made him wander? I do love this hymn. Thanks for these lessons on the background of hymns. I love them! I say keep them coming!!
ReplyDeleteWhat a sad story! It's interesting to see how different people react to the things in their lives. Some grow closer to the Lord, while others pull away, often blaming Him for their circumstances. God allows everything into our lives. It's our job to trust in His plan for us. He works everything for our good and to His glory.
ReplyDeleteVery sad story!
ReplyDeleteMakes me really think!
What a heart-wrenching story! WOW! That hymn is another favorite of mine...now, even more so!
ReplyDeleteWow, that is sad! I don't even know what else to say, except I've known people like this, and I don't think there's much in this world that is more sad than seeing someone who KNEW what he had in Christ walk away.
ReplyDeleteThat story has always touched me. When I sing/hear those words, it reminds me that I have to make the choice each day to follow God.
ReplyDeletevery sad. but makes you really think about your relationship with the lord...i know yours is strong!
ReplyDeleteI love this song.
ReplyDeleteIt is interesting to learn the story behind a song, especially hymns. That really is a sad one, though.
So sad.
ReplyDeleteI agree with SB, I have seen many of my friends do this. And we all have seasons in our own lives as well. We have to make the choice each day who we are going to follow.
This reminds me of an analogy I heard last night. I think I will be sharing it soon on my blog.
BTW sorry I am so behind on reading your blog! Thank you for being a faithful commenter on mine :) I really do love your comments.
RJ,
ReplyDeleteI've never heard the story of that song ~~ I LOVE that song. In fact, it is one I have done a composition to of sorts. Maybe I'll post a Smilebox playing that song.
WOW it is so sad though!!!
Hey is your g-babe coming this weekend. I keep thinking 2 weeks is almost here =)
Have a Blessed evening,
Dawn