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 Psalm 55:6, David sings, “Oh that I had wings like a dove! For then would I fly away, and be at rest.” In part, this verse is the basis for Albert Brumley’s “I’ll Fly Away.” Brumley grew up poor, picking cotton as a youngster in Oklahoma. As a young adult, he became a music teacher and began writing hymns and Gospel songs. After he married, his wife encouraged him (imagine that!) to have his music published. In a short time, he became the most popular Gospel songwriter in America. This particular song was written during our Great Depression and expresses a godly yearning for heaven. The version by Alison Krauss and Gillian Welch is uniquely understated.