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.
It is a long-standing tradition in American Gospel music to incorporate everyday items or recent inventions into new songs. The inclusion of such things makes the lyrics immediately relatable for many listeners and singers. One relatively simple song in this genre is “Gospel Ship” by the Carter Family. The imagery of death as a journey to heaven is a common motif in Christian music. This song adds the word picture of “sailing through the air,” consistent with the promise of I Thessalonians 5:16-17.