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.
My people on the Jepson side came from Ireland in 1719 and settled in 1721 on the property where my mother and one of my sons now live. I have often said that people in other countries love their land as much as you and I love ours. Certainly the Irish have a deep affection for their beautiful island, remembered in many songs. A relatively recent addition to this musical history is “The Green and Red of Mayo” by the Saw Doctors. I hesitate to use it because it is not a hymn, but it celebrates the love of nation (something that we appreciate) and its spiritual heritage. My younger grandson also loves it. The studio version is better musically, but the live rendition from Galway better captures the deep patriotism of the Irish audience.