Wasted Years
by Jeanne Rogers
“Have mercy on me, O God, because of your
unfailing love. Because of your great compassion,
blot out the stain of my sins.” (Psalm 51:1)  Joanne Cash and her brother, Johnny Cash. |
Since the death of Johnny Cash, Country Music Television has honored the legendary singer by presenting the Johnny Cash Visionary Award to artists that exemplify Cash’s musical vision. The 2007 award went to artist, actor and songwriter, Kris Kristofferson. At the CMT ceremony, a grateful Kristofferson described how Johnny Cash had impacted his life. As he walked off the stage holding his treasured award, the orchestra played Why Me?, Kristofferson’s hit song expressing a soul’s desperation over wasted time without Jesus. In the 1974, Johnny Cash’s deep voice sang those lyrics, “Lord, help me, Jesus! I wasted it…so help me Jesus, my life’s in your hands.” He played his guitar and sang to the large crowd attending James Robison’s crusade. He described years of drifting from the Savior he’d accepted as a boy and a successful career with secret addictions that held him captive until he cried out to Jesus. James and Betty Robison treasured their friendship with the Cash family. Because Johnny had a passion to know God’s word, many of his conversations with James focused on the desire to see others know Christ. However, the image of the singer who inspired people spiritually and studied the scripture for hours every day was not portrayed in the movie of his life. Walk the Line focused more on what his sister, Joanne Cash, calls the “wasted years.” Though family and friends are glad a great movie was made to honor him, they desire to see the rest of the story told to the world. On Life Today, Joanne Cash told how she and Johnny drifted from their family’s spiritual roots after the tragic death of their older brother, Jack Cash. Their mother was a devout Christian and their father came to the Lord the day Jack died. The Cash children were taught the word of God and how to pray, but Joanne confessed how she almost lost her life in accidental drug overdoses. Around the time of Johnny’s downfall, she gave her life to Christ. “Johnny watched me for about three weeks after I was saved, but didn’t say anything to me. He knew I had been into drugs and alcohol like he was. Finally, he put his arm around me and said, ‘Baby, you really got it, didn’t you?’ I said, ‘Yes, John, and I am praying for you.”’ Johnny struggled to hide his addiction for two more miserable years. One day he went to the church where Joanne found salvation. That very day, he repented and gave his life back to the Lord. “The rest is just glory,” Joanne said as she recalled the blessed years that followed for both of them. Like Johnny Cash, Christians who carry hidden sin can count on feeling the heavy hand of God upon them. A biblical example of a heavy-laden soul is found in the life of another songwriter who desired a beautiful woman and even murdered her husband in order to have her as his own. Psalm 32:3-4 reveals David’s torment when he kept sin hidden in his heart. “When I kept silent, my bones wasted away through my groaning all day. For day and night your hand was heavy upon me; my strength was sapped as in the heat of summer.” (Psalm 32:3-4) God sent the prophet, Nathan, to confront his king with the truth. When David finally admitted his sinful actions, he grieved and threw himself upon the mercy of God. When we refuse to admit our sin, we fail to acknowledge our need for a Savior. Selfish pride drives us to prove we are right and interferes with our ability to reason. At that point, things that are true, honorable, right, pure, lovely, of good report, excellent or worthy of praise will no longer matter (Phil. 4:
. But don’t be deceived! The pattern of drifting away into wasted years can be altered by throwing ourselves on the mercy of God. This Week
We must acknowledge sin in our heart and admit we need a Savior. Jesus Christ is ready to redeem the time. Prayer
You can sing it or simply speak the prayer expressed in the words of Why Me?
“Lord, help me Jesus, I’ve wasted it!
So…help me, Jesus! I know what I am.
And now that I know that I’ve needed you,
Lord, help me Jesus, my soul’s in your hands.”
You can't hide any sin from the Lord, not even hidden sin.... God had his hand on Johnny Cash and his sister life, just like he has his hand on your life, but it is what are you going to to with it. I do believe that his wife is a christian now also..
When my nephew was in the Navy he went to Billy Graham crusade with one of his Navy buds, and that night Johnny Cash was singing. After the service, my nephew had the opportunity to shake his hand.
Wasted Years
Have you wandered along on life's pathway;
have you lived without love, a life of tears;
Have you searched for the great hidden meaning?
Or is your life filled with long wasted years? Search for wisdom and seek understanding,
There is someone who knows and always hears;
Give it up! Give it up! The Load you're bearing!
You can't go on in a life of wasted years.
Wasted years, wasted years, oh, how foolish,
As you walk on in darkness and fears;
Turn around, turn around, God is calling,
He's calling you from a life of wasted years.
Written by Wally Fowler
Hey Webmasters! New Photo Album Service Launched - Check it out!
Love the doggie! 
. The picture of the Lord's hands feeding the sparrows is lovely. That is what I did the church bulletin on Sun - God cares!Enjoyed coming by. I just made a new post on my journal, maybe you can come check it out sometime. 
. 
, care to exchange link? if so let me know so I can add yours to my blog. 
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