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.
American folk music celebrates the invention of the train. Gospel music also incorporated this startling innovation into its lyrics. One such traditional song is “Life’s Mountain Railroad,” sometimes titled “Life Is Like a Mountain Railway.” The imagery is of a difficult journey with an assured destination (see Paul’s testimony in II Timothy 4:6-8). Because this is an older song, different verses have been added over the years. Those of you who have attended our church in the past may remember Linwood Reeves singing this song. Since we do not have a recording of his rendition available on-line, we will listen to the Green Mountain Bluegrass Band.