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 JEHOVA [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.
I love to see the trees in early June with their light and bright green leaves glimmering and shimmering in the sun and breeze. I am reminded of the imagery of Psalm 1:3 and, especially, Jeremiah 17:8, both of which liken a serious, vibrant faith to a strong, vigorous tree planted by deep, running water. “I Shall Not Be Moved,” a traditional Gospel song, is based upon this symbolism. Because the lyrics are a bit repetitive, good musicians incorporate subtle changes in accompaniment and inflection to convey the continuing power of this abiding biblical truth. One older version I enjoy is by the Reverend Edward Clayborn. A newer rendition is by the Carolina Chocolate Drops and features guest vocalist and fiddler Joe Thompson, who was eighty-nine at the time. Their live rendering is genuine Americana.
https://youtu.be/NVJHD9sNePM (Apparently you can’t find everything on YouTube. I had to substitute a different version by Joe Thompson.)