Johnny Cash was a great singer with a bass-baritone voice and a complicated Christian life. He considered himself the “greatest sinner” and yet he held on to his faith in Jesus throughout a difficult battle with drug addiction. As contradictory as his life was, Johnny Cash would sing Christian songs with candor and truth about living the faith.
#1) Belshazzar
“You have been weighed on the scales and found wanting” (Daniel 5:27).
Belshazzar was a wicked king who refused to bow his knee to the Lord. Yet every one of us has been “weighed on the scales and found wanting” as we all have sinned and fallen short of coming to God. Only by the grace and mercy of Jesus Christ can we be cleansed and set free from our sins.
#2) Daddy Sang Bass
“Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken”
Even the most destitute of life situations can’t dampened the faith of a family singing to the Lord. As we come together as a united family praising and worshipping God—we are strengthened in our bond with each other and with the Lord. Our earthly and spiritual families can experience the joy of our connection in this lifetime and the next.
#3) I was there when it Happened
“He saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit” (Titus 3:5).
There’s something about that moment when we realize our freedom in Christ that words are inadequate to describe. Our inner spirit knows the immediate sense of love, joy, and peace along with being forgiven of our sins. This is an individual and diverse experience that God gives to each of His children in His timing—but we will know when it happens.
#4) My Children Walk in Truth
“I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth” (3 John 4).
If our children are walking with the Lord—all else is nothing. Knowing that we will be reunited in heaven one day with our children and grandchildren brings great joy and peace to all Christian parents. We must continue to pray for them and the next generations to stand strong in the midst of great pressure to deny Christ.
#5) Why Me, Lord?
“What is mankind that you are mindful of them, a son of man that you care for him? (Hebrews 2:6).
Many of us have asked this question because we know that our salvation had more to do with God’s mercy than our own decision to come to Christ. We are unworthy of such great grace and love from the Father in heaven. Yet He loves with an unconditional love and “while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.”
#6) Wings in the Morning
“Listen, I tell you a mystery: We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed—in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed (1 Corinthians 15:51-52).
All believers will come to the Lord one day—either by death or by rapture. No matter what happens to us on this earth, we have the wonderful joy of a future without pain, sorrow, or tears. Sin, regret, and shame will have no part of heaven as we will enjoy the incredible presence of God without restraint.
#7) Help Me
“I cry out to God Most High, to God, who vindicates me” (Psalm 57:2).
Have you ever just prayed “help me”? These two words have a powerful effect as we call out to our Abba Father to help us. When we reach the breaking point of refusing to cry out to anyone else but Him, we know He will answer. God is faithful to hear and answer our prayers. We must continue to keep the faith.
#8) God’s Hands
“Though he may stumble, he will not fall, for the Lord upholds him with his hand” (Psalm 37:4).
Many times in this world we may feel abandoned when all hope seems to be lost. Yet even in our worst moments on this earth, God is with us. He promises to never leave nor forsake us—especially in the hard times. While it may be difficult, we must cling to the cross of Jesus Christ and trust in His unfailing hands.
#9) It was Jesus
“The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned” (Isaiah 9:2).
There comes a unique moment in every believer’s life when we recognize it was Jesus all along. The light of Jesus has been around us the whole time, but we were darkened in our understanding and lost in our sin. However Jesus reveals Himself at the precise timing of our humility and destitution of spirit.
#10) Redemption
“Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us, for it is written: ‘Cursed is everyone who is hung on a pole’” (Galatians 3:13).
Every one of us deserved to be on that cross and punished for every evil deed—yet Christ, the perfect and sinless Son of God, paid the price. We were redeemed from the penalty of sin and given the gift of eternal life. Redemption comes only through the blood and sacrifice of Jesus Christ.
“Being a Christian isn’t for sissies….Johnny Cash”
Johnny Cash wasn’t a perfect Christian, but he shared the perfect message of Jesus Christ in his own personality and style. Many people to this day still relate to his shortcomings and are drawn to the Lord through his music. May we all use our gifts and talents to draw people to the King—our Lord Jesus Christ.
Article by Crystal McDowell
Crystal McDowell is a writer, speaker, and teacher with a passion to encourage believers to know and grow in their relationship with Jesus Christ through practical application of God’s word.
Crystal and her husband, Marshall, raise their five children in the Bloomington, IL. As a freelance writer and editor for over 13 years, Crystal has published numerous Christian curriculums for Sunday School and VBS as well as many articles dealing with marriage, motherhood, and relationships. She’s a weekly staff writer for www.whatchristianswanttoknow.com as well as writing her own blog at http://crystalmcdowellspeaks.blogspot.com.
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