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.
We have just remembered Mother’s Day. For many, it is at best a bittersweet day; the memories are sweet, but the sense of loss is bitter. Even if your mother has died, the command of Ephesians 6:2a stands: “Honour thy father and mother.” Many good Gospel songs have been written and sung about the importance of mothers, for the family is ordained by God as the foundation of social life. Some speak of a mother’s godly care and concern; others combine this remembrance with the certainty of eternity in heaven for each believer in Jesus Christ. One such song is “Dear Brother,” written by Hank Williams, Sr. He is joined by Kitty Wells and her husband Johnny Wright. The harmony is lovely, and this song is, to my knowledge, the only one by Williams that includes a mandolin (played by Wright). It is an honest story song that is both bitter and sweet.