Good to be Back

By Michael L. Alumbaugh, © 1979, 2010, 2014
 
We as Christians seem to think the Israelites were a bunch of confused, corrupt, thankless, doubting bunch of wanderers in their wilderness experience. I mean, a few days walk lasting 40 years is a little over the top. And consider all the lessons God presented during that time to draw them back to Him in trust, worship and praise. Those would be life lessons for us as well if we were a bit more teachable and a little less self-reliant and pious. 

But before we get too haughty or proud of our own walks, a bit of introspection is needed. Maybe we need to look back and see if we are exactly where we need to be, at the level He desires us to be. 

If we are honest, we haven't arrived and are far from it. Do we walk in the Spirit or fulfill the lusts of our flesh (Galatians 5:16)? Do we believe what His Word really says or twist it to justify our means? Do we assume He isn't always watching us when we sneak around to do our dirty deeds? (1Peter 2:16) Maybe He winks at our whining or turns a deaf ear when we speak evil of others? 

I think not. Maybe, just maybe, there will be tears in heaven due to our faithless remorseful reflecting's (Revelation 21:4). Maybe we need to get back to the Word, let the Spirit talk to us and consider our ways .

I wrote this song several years ago. It is based on Psalm 119:59. It speaks to that struggle with our pride, repentance, and the victory available to us when we are honest with ourselves and God. I am so glad He welcomes us back when we have wandered off. We portray sheep who seem to be prone to doing just that, wander.

 I hope He doesn't have to break my legs to keep me close to Him but if so then so be it. Discipline, for the moment, is painful but . . . (Heb 12:11)

It's good to be back with You.

It's been such a long long time.

I've walked the miles alone

And been so blind!

'Thought I could live life on my own strength,

But through the passing days

I thought on your Word

And now I've turned

My feet unto Your ways.

Your hand was there to meet me

As You led me down the road.

I was wounded from the stumbling

O'er the seed I'd sown.

But your eyes continued upward,

Up through the muddled haze.

Oh, I thought on your Word

And now I've turned

My feet unto Your ways.

Oh, the peace and, oh, the joy,

When You put my life in Your control.

I see the Truth you've placed in me.

Christ alone has set me free!

And, oh, it's good to be back with You.

I've wasted precious time.

I've walked the miles alone

And been so blind! I've been so blind!

But through Your Word I've come back to You

With my heart filled up with praise!

Oh, I thought on your Word

And now I've turned

My feet unto Your ways.

Yes, I've thought on your Word

And now I've turned

My feet . . . unto . . . Your ways.

Oh, it's good to be back with You.

It's good to be back with You.

 Lord, it's good to be back with You.

Lord, it's so good.