Experience In the Desert

EXPERIENCE IN THE DESERT I drifted like a tumbleweed upon the desert sand, I chose to wander my own way instead of how God planned. But as I traveled further on, my soul so thirsty grew; What I felt there would satisfy was a mirage to view. The vultures circled high around just hungry for my fate, It seemed that for my certain death they’d not have long to wait. The ground nearby was parched by sun as it shone there so bright, There was no end of blistering sand, no oasis there in sight. The cactus offered little shade, its sharp points pricked at me Just like my conscience deep inside that I tried hard to flee. ‘Twas then I saw my helpless state, no way I could be saved By anything that I could do, regardless of how brave. Just when I came to end of self, and things I may have done, A Man came to deliver me from sand and heat of sun, The vultures, and the cactus, too, the barren land of waste; The desert that I’d roamed upon I exited in haste. At last my thirst was satisfied with water, pure from Christ Now flowing through my sin-parched soul with everlasting life. I look back often at the land of desert where I dwelt, Remembering the wasted years and emptiness I felt. I wish I had not roamed that place so many years in pride Until the day I came to Christ and let Him come inside. I’m here now as a witness true: the desert is no place To spend your life away from God and let it go to waste. If you have stayed true to the Lord, then keep it up, my friend; If you have spent time far from Him, it still is not the end! Come from your desert like I did and humbly to Him cry; He’ll welcome you with open arms from His home in the sky. Written for Western Sunday, Heritage Baptist Church, 1998.