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.
As we briefly considered last Monday, it is a long-standing American tradition to incorporate everyday things or recent inventions into new Gospel songs, making the lyrics immediately accessible to more listeners and singers. The ship imagery of “Gospel Ship” (last week’s song) points to the Christian’s journey to heaven. Another Carter Family ship song focuses on the difficulties of life as a Christian – “Troublesome Waters.” Matthew 8:23-27 reminds us of the disciples’ fear at “a great tempest in the sea” (verse 24) and also of Peter’s sinking into the sea in a separate event (Matthew 14:22-34). The message of this song (and many other ship songs) is that we are safe with Jesus as our Pilot. The rendition by Iris Dement has better sound quality than older versions and features her distinctive and dulcet Delta drawl.