FergusonPoetryProject LLC

Sermon: The Courage to Wander—Finding Strength and Purpose in the Journey

Introduction: The song “I Want to Wander” reflects a profound desire to journey through life on one’s own terms, seeking courage, strength, and self-discovery in the process. It speaks to the human need for exploration, both of the world and of oneself, and the struggle to reconcile personal will with divine guidance. This tension between independence and faith is a recurring theme in Christian thought, and it resonates deeply with the principles of Christian Libertarian Ideology, modern human perspectives, and Scripture. In this sermon, we will explore how wandering, courage, and the pursuit of purpose can lead us to a deeper understanding of God, ourselves, and our place in the world.

The Desire to Wander: Embracing the Journey of Self-Discovery The song begins with the declaration, “Let me continue down this road, I don’t need directions, I want to wander.” This desire to wander reflects a fundamental aspect of human nature—the urge to explore, to discover, and to learn through experience. In the Bible, the story of Abraham’s journey is a powerful example of this. In Genesis 12:1, God calls Abraham to leave his home and journey to a land that He will show him. Abraham’s willingness to wander, to leave behind the familiar and venture into the unknown, is an act of faith and courage.

Christian Libertarian Ideology values individual freedom and the right to choose one’s own path, recognizing that personal growth often comes through the challenges and discoveries made along the way. The song’s emphasis on wandering challenges us to embrace the journey of life, to trust that the experiences we encounter—whether in muddy rivers or on cliff edges—are opportunities for growth and self-discovery. It encourages us to see wandering not as a lack of direction but as a purposeful exploration of the world and our place in it.

The Test of Courage: Wrestling with Life’s Strongest Creatures The lyrics, “I want to wrestle your strongest creatures, oh Lord,” speak to the desire to confront life’s challenges head-on, to test one’s courage and strength against the forces of nature and the struggles of life. This echoes the biblical story of Jacob wrestling with God in Genesis 32:24-30. Jacob’s struggle, both physical and spiritual, is a test of his strength, determination, and faith. By wrestling with God, Jacob not only proves his resilience but also gains a new understanding of his identity and purpose.

From a modern human perspective, life’s challenges—whether physical, emotional, or spiritual—are opportunities to develop resilience, courage, and a deeper understanding of ourselves. Christian Libertarian Ideology supports the freedom to face these challenges in our own way, recognizing that personal growth often comes through the struggle. The song’s call to wrestle with life’s strongest creatures encourages us to confront our fears, to face the difficulties we encounter, and to trust that through these tests, we will emerge stronger and more self-aware.

The Struggle for Independence: Balancing Personal Will and Divine Guidance The repeated refrain, “Don’t try to save my soul, I won’t trade my will for yours,” reflects a deep struggle for independence—a desire to maintain control over one’s own life and decisions. This tension between personal will and divine guidance is a common theme in Scripture. In the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus himself wrestles with this tension, praying in Matthew 26:39, “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.” Jesus’ prayer reflects the human desire to follow our own path while also recognizing the importance of submitting to God’s will.

Christian Libertarian Ideology values the freedom to make choices, but it also acknowledges the importance of aligning our will with God’s purpose. The song’s struggle for independence challenges us to reflect on our own lives—how often do we resist God’s guidance because we fear losing control? It encourages us to find a balance between personal freedom and divine direction, to trust that God’s plan for us, though it may involve wandering and struggle, ultimately leads to fulfillment and purpose.

The Reflection of Self: Discovering Purpose in the Journey The lyrics, “The image of myself is more than I can take right now. My purpose was so lost, so estranged, I feel I’ve made You proud,” highlight the theme of self-reflection and the discovery of purpose through the journey. The act of looking at oneself—truly seeing who we are and what we’ve become—can be both overwhelming and enlightening. In Psalm 139:23-24, the psalmist prays, “Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” This prayer reflects a desire for self-examination, for understanding one’s purpose and aligning it with God’s will.

From a modern perspective, self-reflection is a crucial part of personal growth and development. Christian Libertarian Ideology supports the freedom to explore and understand our own identity, recognizing that true purpose is often discovered through self-examination and life’s experiences. The song’s reflection on self and purpose challenges us to take time to look within, to understand who we are and what we are called to do, and to trust that even in our wandering, we are on a path that can lead to greater purpose and fulfillment.

Conclusion: “I Want to Wander” is a song that speaks to the human desire for exploration, courage, and self-discovery. It challenges us to embrace the journey of life, to confront our fears and struggles, and to seek purpose and meaning in the experiences we encounter along the way.

As we reflect on these themes, let us be encouraged to embrace our own journeys with courage and faith. Let us trust that even in our wandering, God is with us, guiding us, and leading us toward a deeper understanding of ourselves and our purpose. And let us find the balance between personal freedom and divine guidance, recognizing that true fulfillment comes not from resisting God’s will, but from aligning our will with His.

May we all find the strength to wander, the courage to face life’s challenges, and the wisdom to discover our true purpose in the journey. And may we always trust that in our wandering, we are never truly lost, but are on a path that leads to growth, understanding, and the fulfillment of God’s purpose for our lives.

I’m making my way north, taking the long way, getting this notion of teaching me lessons more
You’re leading me into a test of courage, to war. You’re leading me into a test of courage, to war
Don’t try to save my soul, I won’t trade my will for yours. Let me continue down this road, I don’t need Directions, I want to wander
Through muddy rivers, I want to see all of the swamp lands challenging nature, Lord. I want to wrestle your Strongest creatures, oh Lord

I want to wrestle your strongest creatures, oh Lord
Don’t try to save my soul, I won’t trade my will for yours. Let me continue down this road, I don’t need Directions, I want to wander
I want to wander, climb down this hill cliff to see how far this water falls. It’s falling from these rocks so high That it’s reflecting off
The image of myself is more than I can take right now. My purpose was so lost, so estranged, I feel I’ve made You proud

Don’t try to save my broken soul, I will not trade my will for yours. Let me continue down this road, I don’t Need directions
I want to wander
I want to wander

As Always, God Bless,

James Arthur Ferguson