Prone to wander?

 Have you had a chance to read through the words of  Come Thou Fount Of Every Blessing? There is so much in this hymn that causes me to stop and think about its meaning.  But, the story behind this hymn is quite unusual.  

Robert Robinson did not having it easy growing up.  His father died when he was 8 years old.  His mother remarried to a man Robert's grandfather did not like.  There was much dissension and difficulty, and eventually when his stepfather died, Robert was tasked with caring for his widowed mother. 

During his young adult years, Robert saw his need of the Lord and accepted Him as his Saviour.  Even though, by many standards, he was not considered an educated man, he was a man that studied hardily.  He later became Pastor of a Baptist Church and faithfully served many years.  While there he wrote a couple of hymns, one being Come Thou Fount Of Every Blessing. 

 It is here where the story gets somewhat blurred and not everyone agrees on what happened in Robert Robinson's life.  Many say that he strayed from the Lord and that his faith wavered.  Remember the last verse?  Prone to wander, Lord I feel it.  Prone to leave the God I love.  Many say that is exactly what he did as he wandered from the Lord. 

While riding on a stagecoach one day, a young lady began singing the now popular song, Come Thou Fount Of Every Blessing, not realizing she was with the author himself.  When she finished singing she asked Robert what he thought of the hymn.  It is said that his response was, "Madam, I am the poor unhappy man who composed that hymn, many years ago, and I would give a thousand worlds, if I had them, to enjoy the feelings I had then."  What a sad response.  And a response that need not be.  That is one of the wonderful things about our Saviour.  He takes us right where we are.  He dusts us off, picks us up, and wants to use us again.  He is ready to forgive us and cleanse us.  Robert was only a prayer away from having that joy back again!

It is sad that Robert Robinson wandered.  Did he ever return to the Lord?  Or did he die a sad man, wishing he was living his life for the God?  We do not know.  But, I know that the words of the song are true.  We are prone to wander.  We are prone to leave the God we love.  That's why we must be diligent to guard our hearts.  We must be intentional about spending our minutes wisely.  Life is fleeting and on September 27, 1735, Robert Robinson entered into eternity.  Did he ever get things right?  We know that because he is saved he is now with Jesus.  Nothing could ever take away that gift of eternal life from him, not even his wandering.  But, did he spend his last years with the Lord and in sweet fellowship with him?  Let this be an encouragement to us to stay diligent and intentional.  Finish Well!