Melodic Mondays
Those of you who know me know that I love music even though I am not musical myself. I listen to good music as often as I can. It is beneficial to the brain, valuable to the vocabulary, and strengthening to the soul. Isaiah 12:2-3 is a lovely passage that includes this soaring statement of surety: “The Lord JEHOVAH [YAHWEH] is my strength and my song.” This could be translated, “God is my mountaintop and my music.” Yes, He is! Each Monday, I want to study this subject and suggest a song to listen to. Anyone reading this devotional has easy access to any song. (I am an exception because I do not go on a computer or other information device.) If you do not like my suggestion (and we all have different tastes), you can think of or search for one that speaks to you. Then, it can become a source of encouragement throughout the week.
William Cowper (pronounced Cooper – the British sometimes mangle English when it come to names) is considered one of England’s great poets. He also wrote many outstanding hymns. Still, he suffered from extreme depression at times as he struggled with a lack of assurance of his salvation. Christian friends, including John Newton of “Amazing Grace” fame, helped him to better understand the completeness of Jesus’ love. Forgiveness full, free, and forever – that is what we all need, and that is what Jesus offers. He “loved us, and washed us from our sins in His own blood” (Revelation 1:5). Cowper’s hymn “There Is a Fountain” creatively celebrates this truth. The version by MercyMe is a good rendition.