The Way Home: Inspirations of a Lifetime

The way home. That seems easy enough; it should be a familiar route. But when it comes to finding the way home to the heart of God, the perplexities of the world often pull us off course. That's when we need a little direction, a little inspiration to take that next step toward home. In The Way Home by Wayne Watson, you'll find deeply sensitive devotionals that will light your flame of faith and guide you toward your real home-the heart of God.As one of the most popular Christian artists of our time, Watson is well known for the moving messages of his music. Now he moves beyond the confines of rhythm and rhyme to reveal more of himself, more of his heart, and more of the God who inspires his music. Using his most popular songs as a backdrop, Watson shares twenty-five inspirations of a lifetime- inspirations that will take you all the way home.

Friend of a Wounded Heart
(From the album Watercolour Ponies)

Smile, make em think you re happy

Lie, and say that things are fine

And hide that empty longing that you feel

Don t ever show it

Just keep your heart concealed

Why are the days so lonely?

Where can the heart go free?

And who will dry the tears that no one s seen?

There must be someone

To share your silent dreams

Caught like a leaf in the wind

Looking for a friend Where can you turn?

Whisper the words of a prayer

And you ll find him there

Arms open wide love in his eyes

(Chorus)

Jesus, he meets you where you are

Jesus, he heals your secret scars

All the love you re longing for is

Jesus, the friend of the wounded heart

Joy comes like the morning

Hope deepens as you grow

And peace beyond the reaches of your soul

Comes flowing through you

For love has made you whole

Once like a leaf in the wind

Lookin for a friend Where could you turn?

You spoke the words of a prayer

And you found him there

Arms open wide love in His eyes

(Repeat Chorus)

Chapter One

Heal me, O Lord, and I will be healed;
save me and I will be saved,
for you are the one I praise.
Jeremiah 17:14

In my living room stands a twenty-inch statue of two figures one is carrying the other. The standing figure is an angel, strong and muscular, complete with fine wings. Over his shoulder he carries the wounded body of a warrior. In one hand the wounded soldier grips a broken weapon probably broken in battle.

It s interesting to watch people s reactions when they first see this statue. Without presuming too much, I have to say, I can tell a lot about folks by their reactions.

Some are deeply moved. They are drawn to the statue and seem to feel a close affinity with the wounded man. They know what it is to be wounded, and they know what it is to rely on another.

But others are quietly stunned and just don t seem to get it. While trying to be polite, it s obvious they don t (or can t) appreciate the spiritual implications of the statue. They ve either never been badly wounded or don t care to acknowledge their wounds.

All of us know people who don t acknowledge hurts and scars; they live as if ignoring pain will make it go away. In fact, even the most "spiritual" of us have played that role at times. I know I have. You probably have too. The perils of ignoring spiritual and emotional problems can be seen in a physical parallel. It doesn t take an M.D. to know that a deep wound left untreated can start a dangerous chain reaction sometimes a deadly one! So it is with emotional injuries. If they go untended, they fester and become inflamed, and the infection spreads. A wise person recognizes that the beginning of healing is the acknowledgment of illness.

If you have a wounded heart and all of us do to some extent or another know that Jesus has positioned himself as your friend. Through his short lifetime on earth, Christ was not only a friend to sinners but also a healer of broken hearts and broken dreams. Those without hope found encouragement in the presence of the Savior. Those with battered bodies found healing in his touch. Do you remember the woman who simply touched the garment of Jesus and found healing because of her faith? In his presence, you, too, can find healing even today.

People who see Jesus merely as a historical figure or a religious leader leave his presence untouched and cold. Like those who don t "get" the statue in my living room, they don t understand the reality of what Jesus offers.

See yourself as the wounded warrior carried by the mighty angel. Be willing to acknowledge your pain; allow yourself to be carried by the one who offers healing, hope, and even friendship Jesus Christ, the Friend of a Wounded Heart.

Personal Reflection

1. What kind of reaction might you have to the statue in my living room?

2. Do you ever allow yourself to be "carried" by another, or do you always feel that you must be strong and in control?

3. Search your heart. Do you carry any unacknowledged wounds?

4. What wounds in your life has Jesus already healed?

Life Response

Name any previously unacknowledged wounds that came to mind during this reading. Take them in prayer to the Friend of Wounded Hearts.