"Long Gone"

 I waited in the right spot,

That heifer would not be caught,

A spurrin,’ takin’ my shot,

But she was gone, long gone.

We went to check the cattle,

Long hours in the saddle,

To save a sick one’s battle,

But he was gone, long gone.

I went to buy a new mount,

I’d saved enough by my count,

But ‘fore I went to dismount,

He was gone, long gone.

I told her we could mend it,

But she said she would end it,

And never would rescind it,

She was gone, long gone.

And such has been my sad tale,

So many times my old trail,

Ended up a no sale,

The deal was gone, long gone.

But spite of times I missed it,

Life’s been good, I’ve kissed it,

My trouble, I’ve dismissed it,

The past is gone, long gone.

God gives away His blessing,

And sometimes sends a testing,

But in the Savior resting,

My sin is gone, long gone.

And God gave me a sweetheart,

And with her came a new start,

I’ve promised to do my part,

My pain is gone, long gone.

And one thing is for certain,

When they pull life’s final curtain,

No longer I’ll be hurtin’,

But with Jesus I’ll be gone, long gone.

“My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life…” (John 10:10, NLT)

I realize that people use verses like these to justify bad behavior and then claim as their reason that God wants them to be happy. But “rich and satisfying” is the promise Jesus gives to those who live life according to His terms. There’s nothing selfish about it, and no guilt is involved. Contrast this with the thief who comes to steal, kill and destroy. Abundant life is all about surrendering to the leadership of the Good Shepherd who gives good pasture. The life is promised to everyone who is going to heaven. They get to experience some of it on the way, and it’s worth any sacrifice or price of discipleship we are asked to pay.

Lord, give us a rich and satisfying life, in Jesus’ name.

Art by Tim Cox, timcox.com. Used by permission. Thanks, Tim, and God bless you.