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.
In Philippians 1:21, 3-24, the Apostle Paul writes, “For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain… For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better: nevertheless to abide in the flesh is more needful for you.” We all have things that we enjoy right now, including the knowledge that our Savior has valuable work for us to do. We also know that heaven will be even more enjoyable than the best days here. I remember my pastor often saying, “It’s better farther on.” Yes, as Paul says, it is “far better.” A traditional Gospel song that agrees with both is “It Is Better Farther On” by the Carter Family.