"Far Range"

When the last one’s unsaddled,

Horses fed and all turned out,

We make sure every chore is done,

And things slow down, no doubt.

It’s when a lonesome cowboy,

Will think of someone gone,

Maybe a schoolyard sweetheart,

Or his dear Mom back home.

And if he’s sentimental,

Might even shed a tear,

As night comes on he’s wistful,

And wonders why he’s here,

Way off at some cow camp,

And beyond the grid,

With one or two old cowboys,

And cattle so well hid.

But when he thinks about it,

Knows he is not alone,

‘Cause even on the far range,

The Spirit makes His home.

And everywhere that we are,

He is present, too,

And He has made the promise,

I’ll always be with you.

I know we need each other,

The human touch and all,

But if we’re close to Jesus,

And on Him we call,

He’s the cure for lonely,

He’s the healing balm,

And when we feel the most alone,

His peace can keep us calm.

He will not forsake you,

He will present be,

On that far range for cowboys,

And here for you and me.

“You go before me and follow me. You place Your hand of blessing on my head…” (Ps. 139:5, NLT)

Did you ever feel that God is near? Did you ever feel that He was distant? I’ve asked people many times to describe when they strongly felt the presence of the Lord. One man said he felt the Lord’s presence when they handed him the baby boy he and his wife were about to adopt. Tears filled his eyes when he described it. This man was unsure of his own salvation, and as we talked about how God has adopted us and wants us to be assured by the Spirit’s presence in our lives, he understood. The Spirit has always been present with us, and as believers indwells our bodies. He will never leave, and is always present to help. He will assure us that we are God’s children, and empower us to live for Him.

Lord, make us aware of Your presence with us, in Jesus’ name.

Art by Mark Maggiori, markmaggiori.com. Used by permission. Thanks, Mark, and God bless you.