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.
A hymn that is traditionally associated with the new year is “Let Us with a Gladsome Mind,” written in the 1600’s by the great English poet John Milton (author of Paradise Lost). It is based upon Psalm 136, which employs the same refrain in each of its 26 verses: “For His mercy endureth forever.” This song is a remembrance of the goodness of God by reflecting on the past faithfulness of our Lord, we are also living in expectation of His continued kind intervention into our lives. Let us listen to a version by Chet Valley Hymns and Songs.