Renewed Faith

Johnny Cash was remarried in 1968, to country music star June Carter. Music had brought them into each other’s lives, and what cemented their bond now was their interest in exploring and nourishing their mutual Christian faith. Johnny and June had long discussions about Jesus and His teachings. They attended a Baptist church in Hendersonville between tours, and Johnny delved into spiritual matters more than ever.

“The times I was so down and out of it were also the times I felt the presence of God,” he told an interviewer. “I felt that presence, that positive power saying to me, ‘I’m still here, Cash, to draw on whenever you’re ready to straighten up and come back to the life.’”

Johnny was tuned in spiritually now instead of having his mind dulled and his heart hard due to bad decisions fueled by drugs.

The Bible tells the story about the Prophet Elijah who had been discouraged and had found a cave to hide in. It was not unlike Johnny’s experience.

And there the prophet heard the “still, small voice” of God (1 Kings 19).

Johnny was hearing that voice now and wanted to do what the Lord directed him to do. It was a new day for John R. Cash.

Scripture Reading:

1. Then He said, “Go out, and stand on the mountain before the Lord.” And behold, the Lord passed by, and a great and strong wind tore into the mountains and broke the rocks in pieces before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind; and after the wind an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake; and after the earthquake a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire; and after the fire a still small voice. (1 Kings 19:11–12 NKJV)

Have you heard the Lord speak in a “still, small voice” in your life?

2. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. (James 4:8 NKJV)

As Johnny and June drew closer to God, they experienced His blessing and peace. What are some practical ways you can draw near to the Lord?

3. The Lord has appeared of old to me, saying: “Yes, I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore with lovingkindness I have drawn you. (Jeremiah 31:3 NKJV)

God was drawing Johnny back to Himself with His great love. Do you know someone who has strayed from the Lord? Pray for them today.