I’ve sung the hymn “Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing” nearly every night for the past decade. It’s the lullaby I sing over my children as I put them to sleep. I’ve spent thousands of hours rocking a swaddled cherub in my arms and softly singing these words:
Come, Thou Fount of every blessing
Tune my heart to sing Thy grace
Streams of mercy, never ceasing
Call for songs of loudest praise
I mean it. Deep down in my gut, I swear I do. And yet, in the light of day, when life is hard, my heart doesn’t turn toward praise quite so easily. The Lord described us perfectly when He said, “They always go astray in their heart; they have not known my ways” (Hebrews 3:10). There’s no sense in trying to sugarcoat it.
The prophet Isaiah declared, “We all went astray like sheep; we all have turned to our own way” (Isaiah 53:6). It’s why Robert Robinson, writer of the hymn I mentioned above, included these words, “Prone to wander, Lord I feel it. Prone to leave the God I love…” And why I sing them to my babes, knowing they inherited their wandering hearts from me. I’m so prone to wander toward fear, doubt, and worry, instead of trusting that God will come through. If the measure of my blessings hinged on the amount of my faith, I’d have to go without.
Faith is the only gift we have to offer the Lord. It’s what the Samaritan leper brought Jesus in Luke 17, and it was enough. “And he told him, ‘Get up and go on your way. Your faith has saved you’” (v.19). But unlike faith, the grace of God isn’t measured in mustard seeds. The “streams of mercy” we sing about are more like a tidal wave, capable of washing away our sin and guilt (Zechariah 13:1), even when our faith is frail.
Perhaps the reason I’m so comforted by the words of Come Thou Fount, is because of a story I once heard about its songwriter. As it goes, one day Robinson was riding in a stagecoach when a lady asked him his thoughts on the hymn she’d been humming. Robinson reportedly replied, “Madam, I am the poor unhappy man who wrote that hymn many years ago, and I would give a thousand worlds, if I had them, to enjoy the feelings I had then.”
I’m so grateful for and encouraged by the disciples’ request of Jesus, found in Luke chapter 17. They asked, “Increase our faith!” (v.5). Their words remind me of the tender prayer of a father desperate to see Jesus heal his boy found in Mark 9:24, “I do believe; help my unbelief!”
Prone to wander. Lord, I feel it. And yet, we serve a God who is relentless in pursuit of us (Luke 15:4). Whether you have faith the size of a mountain or a speck today, you can wrap yourself up tightly and rest in this:
Jesus sought me when a stranger
Wandering from the fold of God
He, to rescue me from danger
Interposed His precious blood
Erin Davis is an author, blogger, and speaker who loves to see women of all ages run to the deep well of God’s Word. When she’s not writing, you can find Erin chasing chickens and children on her small farm in the Midwest.
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66 thoughts on "Faith and Duty"
It is so comforting to know that even when we have fragile faith or stay from God he still loves us and welcomes us back with open arms. His love and mercy and grace are overwhelming but I’m so happy to have them ❤️
And after I have done my duty, I am still unworthy, have mercy on me God. Let me be pleasing in your sight, content in your portion for me and my service a fragrant offering to you.
The disciples, as we, do not necessarily need more faith, we simply need to trust that He is a man of His word, and that His promises cannot be returned to him void. If you’ve ever seen a mustard seed then you would know that in a mustard seed is a speck in size in compared to a mountain, yet that is all we need!
Beautiful post! Worry can make me lost sight of the Lord sometimes but it’s a daily walk and I’ve learned to stay close to Him no matter the season. I actually haven’t heard this hymn before so thank you for sharing it. (I highly recommend for a soul reaching Christian song – Take Me to the King by Tamella Mann. I think I spelled her name wrong but it speaks to my soul!
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Helen and Casi,
I am lifting both of your families up on prayer. I pray that God will bring you both peace and comfort during this time.
“Increase our faith”! Oh Father, let me see every day, every moment through the eyes of faith.
We just found out my husband has cancer. I am trusting in faith that HE is with us. Please pray for us.
Praying for healing from the ultimate healer for your husband, Helen! Praying for strength and comfort for you both as you start this fight.
I’m praying for healing for your husband, and courage, peace and wisdom for you both. ❤️
Praying for you and your husband, dear SRT sister.
Praying.
Praying for your son, Casi. He is in great care.
Loving these daily lessons. Thank you.
I, too, stand with all of you in prayer for Casi, her son, her family, and her faith (and mine). Amen!
But unlike faith, the grace of God isn’t measured in mustard seeds. The “streams of mercy” we sing about are more like a tidal wave, capable of washing away our sin and guilt (Zechariah 13:1), even when our faith is frail.
Living near the ocean, I could visualize the tidal wave. The enormity, the force, the sheer volume of water in one wave and the mighty roar that comes with this. Then apply that to God’s mercy and how strong, mighty, and full of force His mercy is and I am overwhelmed with tears of gratitude and praise. It doesn’t trickle upon us as a stream trickles down stream, but it covers us with such enormity we are swallowed up by it. Praise the Lord. Then I think of this…The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases;
his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness(Lamentations 3:22-23). Every single day we are drenched by the tidal wave of His mercies, even on the days we wander. Oh how undeserving I am, but how safe I feel when I mess up that I am still loved unconditionally. This makes my heart rejoice today.
Casi- I love your question: “How is it that after all God has done for us – the answered prayers, all of the times He’s shown up – how is it that my first response to bad news is still fear and doubt and not faith and trust?” I struggle with this too. I pray peace over you and your family today. Let God guide the hands of the surgeons, and may your baby boy have a long, fruitful, fun life getting to know Christ as his Lord and Savior. Thank you God that you love us, and understand our worries- knowing that they will cause us to run to you. You do not judge or condemn us; you love us. Amen
Loved this today. I especially loved the “whether you have faith the size of a mountain or a speck today” I feel like some days I am putting my full trust in God and others I struggle to remember to whom I belong. It’s encouraging to be reminded that no matter the size of my faith God still chooses me and loves me.
Such a meaningful devotion for me today and I truly appreciate and relate with everyone’s comments….thank you ladies for sharing your thoughts and hearts with me.
Casi, I am agreeing in prayer with all of these sisters for your family, your sweet little man, all the care providers, and for you. I pray you will find strength and peace in the shelter of our loving Savior’s arms.
Casi, I am lifting you and your precious family to our most Gracious Heavenly Father this morning!
Praying over the whole family Casi – especially little man Casi – Holy Spirit breathe into the lungs of this little miracle one – Jesus be in the hands of these surgeons – as the Angels sing softly over this room – Father God hold Mom and Dad and little man Casi so tight that they feel your embrace……amen
A mustard seed is small – but it is alive and growing. Like a tiny seed, a small amount of genuine faith in God will take root and grow. Almost invisible at first, the seed will begin to spread, first under the ground then visibly. Although each change will be gradual and imperceptible, soon this faith will have produced major results that will uproot and destroy competing things. We don’t need more faith; a tiny seed of faith is enough……if it is alive and growing.
I have always struggled with understanding the analogy of the mustard seed. Great explanation, Wendy! Thank you!
Thank you for this explanation ♥️
I think my prayer for faithfulness is aligned with my desire for perfection. I am constantly praying to be more faithful and more disciplined in my walk to perfectly follow what God has laid out for me. I pray that I turn this prayer of faithfulness around to a prayer of gratitude, that God does not need me to be perfect and his mercy for me does not run out. I do pray for more faithfulness, but I know that if I wander, God will leave the 99 sheep to carry me home on His shoulders rejoicing!
I too am so prone to wander. I feel it in my heart to pour out mercy and praise and when challenged with inconvenience, I “do not know his ways’. Praying for much needed organic change in hearts that bring darkness to light so that the Lord can work. I need saving every minute. Jesus you are worth every praise and thanks. I want to follow you and all your ways.
“If the measure of my blessings hinged on the amount of my faith, I’d have to go without.” So incredibly true for us! I’ve been working to spend my days and nights in constant thanks to God instead of petitioning, though things seem to be in constant question the past two years, God has never wavered in His care and keeping of us. I am beyond words grateful for a savior that would be so moved for me. ~ B
Casi, I am prayerful, this morning, over your family. Father God, our Rock, our Redeemer, I lift up Casi, her husband and that sweet baby boy. You know the concerns in their hearts, the sadness they feel in this new news. Lord, please provide a peace that only you can and gift them a vision they can hold onto in this process. Help them to know that their son is your son, as well, and that he is precious to you. You are still delivering on your promises, though they may not know what your plan is, they can have confidence that you’re there. I pray for the hands of the surgeons, that they be lead by You, that they seek You in their work and that through this, many will see You. May you be glorified in the long, healthy life of Casi’s son and may there never be a day that they don’t see you in this season.
Blessed are You Lord God of the universe that loves each of us to a depth that is immeasurable to our minds. We bring Casi, her husband, and child to Your feet. You know their needs and we join together praising You for meeting them. We know that You are there with them and that You adore and cherish them. Bind them up, help them to lean in, carry them when needed. In the name of Your precious Son, Amen.
Casi- praying for your family to experience a peace you can’t even understand from Him today… can I encourage you to read today’s post at IfEquip.com?? I had read your comment and then was reading the scripture plan they posted today- all about peace and praying peace. I think it would be encouraging:) Praying all goes smoothly and the surgeries are successful in every way!!!
Jehovah Rophi, our God who heals, We pray over Casi’s precious son. You gave this little boy life. You planned for every moment of his days and we thank you for him.
As Casi and her husband prepare for these surgeries, give them Your peace that passes understanding. Allow them to rest in the fact that You love their little boy even more than they do. As unimaginable as that seems to a mother’s heart of love, it is truth. Jehovah Rohi, our Shepherd, watch over these lambs of Yours. Thank you that they have You as their Shepherd – lead and guide them beside the still waters during this time. And as Moses’ sister offered a song of praise to You after crossing the Red Sea, may this family be able to shout songs of hallelujah and praise.
Be the touch of every single hand upon this child.
El Shaddai, All-Powerful, All-Sufficient One we lay this request before You. We give you all the glory and praise.
Amen.
Casi: Father God, I lift up Casi and her precious son this morning. Give them strength and healing. Draw them close to you. In the name of Jesus I pray. Amen.
Thank you for your raw honesty in writing today’s devotion. Even as I read the chapter in Luke I was wandering… and justifying my wandering… which leads to feelings of guilt and I’m-not-good-enough-for-God-to-love-me-ness. Feelings can truly be little devils. I’ll camp out on the hope today that the “big faith days” are just around the corner.
Amen, Lisa. I can very much relate. ❤️
Cassie,
Lifting you, your husband, and your infant son up in prayer today. He is a beautiful gift given to you by our loving Father in heaven. May God watch over that little boy and carry him through both surgeries without any trouble. May you and your husband trust in His care and provision and may you find new joy each day as you love on that little one. May the complete trust your little guy has in you be mirrored in the trust you place in Jesus.
Praying for you and your sweet family, Casi. If it’s any consolation, God is far more interested in what we do when worry catches our notice than the fact that we do. He knows we’ll worry. He simply wants to know those worries will lead us to Him. That is precisely where your worries have led you: to His arms and a community of believers that will rally around you and your little one in faith and encouragement. Praying God will swaddle each of you deep in His love that drives out all fear, that you will know the comfort a mother gives her wee babe as you yourself receive that comfort as God’s children. Certain things in life make us feel small and not enough. That is when our Father God cradles us gently and soothes our hearts until our worries are replaced with Him we know makes all things well.
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Amen!
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Praying for your little family, Casi. God is near!
Lord, “Increase my faith,” daily.
May I forgive, as You have forgiven.
May I serve, as You have served.
May I live in gratitude, for You have healed me.
May I step away from everything, to step with You.
“…prone to wander toward fear, doubt, and worry, instead of trusting God. If the measure of my blessings hinged on the amount of my faith, I’d have to go without.” (powerful, thought-provoking truth)
My heart and soul are covered with holy fear, obedience, love and worship. Thank you that the measuring rod for my righteousness is the blood of Jesus Christ. Without His purchase of my salvation, I would be without hope, without peace, without joy, without, without, without…thank you that I do not “go without,” ALL and ONLY because of You.
Casi, it is a privilege to go before the throne of our Father on your behalf because love and peace and strength are found there. Indeed, all that you (and I) need is right there. What better place to go, to take your son, your entire family and ask for healing? Jesus, You are the Great Physician. Nothing is impossible for You. Give this dear family, whom You created and fiercely love, the strength, confidence and assurance that You are with them. Indeed You will never leave them. You are beside them now and You will be beside them in the waiting room. You are with their sweet boy, whom you’ve entrusted to them on this earth. You will be with him in the operating room and in the recovery room. You never leave. You always keep watch. You do not sleep. Let them rest because You don’t. Let them lean into You because You are strong and mighty. You lead Angel Armies. Station them to stand guard and protect them from fear and worry. Remind them that You are for them so who can stand against them? Bless them through this that they might see You working mightily on their behalf for their good and Your glory. May they have a story of faith and victory to tell their son. Give their boy a long life so that he might then tell others what You have done. Amen.
Amen!! Thank you Jesus! I’m over here just crying tears of amazing grace and joy. God is so faithful! May we see you, hear you and know you! Amen!
Prayer is a plea in itself for faith to increase. I have many petitions for myself and there are many for whom I intercede. I know the outcomes I would like to see but I know not the full picture or purpose of God in each situation. Faith is required to go before His throne. Faith is required to linger before Him, presenting my requests. Faith is required waiting for His answer. Faith is required when the answer comes. Prayer by necessity requires faith to increase as I persevere. It is not a tedious task but an intimate journey with the very author and perfecter of my faith. Increase my faith, Father. I do believe. Help my unbelief.
Beautifully said!
Thank you!!
I needed to read this today.
Just last night I said to my husband, “How is it that after all God has done for us – the answered prayers, all of the times He’s shown up – how is it that my first response to bad news is still fear and doubt and not faith and trust?” The news this time is that our infant son – our gift after 2+ years of prayers, tears, treatments, setbacks – will have to have two surgeries in the first year of his life.
This is my first time commenting. Could you please pray for me? That my reaction to this will be one of faith after seeing all of the amazing things God has done for us and not fear. And please pray for my son. Thank you.
This is my first time replying/commenting – I would love to pray for you and your son. I love the question you pose, and will definitely try have that at the forefront of my mind whenever bad news comes.
This is my first time replying/commenting – I would love to pray for you and your son. I love the question you pose, and how badly I long to have my automatic response to bad news be faith, not fear!!
Sorry about the double response haha – clearly this is my first time!
Casi, you and your family and especially little babe are all in my prayers this morning. God will carry you through this, the power of pray will win
Praying.
Keeping you all and your little guy in my prayers Casi! God is good! He will see you all through this. ❤️
What a honest perspective – interceding for you on this journey! Help my unbelief!
Prayers for your precious little one. I too experience those times when I ask why even after all the ways He has provided. Fear not us mentioned over 300 times in scripture so I believe that if it had to be repeated over and over then God knew it was something his children would struggle with frequently.
God is our living hope! My prayers are with you Casi and for your dear blessing son. God provides
Praying
Praying Casi!
Praying Casi. I too fall into that when I see ALL that HE has done for us. Its our human nature. So grateful that HIS love for us never changes and is patient with us.
Jesus, bless Casi, touch her sweet baby boy, heal him, be with the surgeons,continue to grow our faith as we seek you. We thank you for all you do in our lives. Amen.
I’m praying for your family and for the doctors Casi!
Praying for you, your son, and husband.
Blessings on you and your family
Casi, I don’t usually comment either, but I can feel your exact struggle. My baby girl was diagnosed at 5 months old with brain cancer. God did miraculous things in and through her and changed our lives and our faith in the process. Now she is 9 years old. Over the past four months we have found multiple tumors in her body. We were told she had cancer again. I struggled with so much fear and anxiety and hurt that she, and subsequently we, would have to endure this again. Lauren Daigle’s somg on her new album “Remember” brought back to me all the things God did through that first journey and spoke to my heart in so many ways. My daughter had the “cancerous” tumor removed, and we found out it wasn’t cancer after all. I know it doesn’t always end in a miracle, but God IS always faithful through it all. I’m praying for you today, and for your precious child. I know the path of pain you’re on when you are watching your child go through so much, and I hurt for you. Find that song; I think it will encourage your heart today.
Love this.
Praying for you Love. God will finish what he started!
When Erin talked about His grace being like a tidal wave, I thought of a song played on Christian stations. https://youtu.be/5zE4bNa-b88 Here is the link. This song talks about how God’s love being fierce, and that He chases us and seeks us. Just thought I’d post if you want to listen.