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.
Previous generations of Americans exhibited great respect for our fighting forces. Many older songs reflect that admiration. One of my favorites is “Faded Coat of Blue,” which echoes not only the sadness of the loss of a soldier in the Spanish-American War but also the surety of eternal life in heaven through faith in Jesus Christ. Believers are promised “white robes” (Revelation 7:9) in eternity, as this song stresses. The version by the Carter Family is especially moving and helps us to continue the American tradition of remembering those who have defended us and died in defense of our country – the original purpose of Memorial Day.