Playing His Song

Psalm 33:1-4 English Standard Version (ESV)

The Steadfast Love of the Lord

33 Shout for joy in the Lord, O you righteous!

    Praise befits the upright.

2 Give thanks to the Lord with the lyre;

    make melody to him with the harp of ten strings!

3 Sing to him a new song;

    play skillfully on the strings, with loud shouts.

4 For the word of the Lord is upright,

    and all his work is done in faithfulness.

Many years ago my husband and I dropped in on a woman in the congregation doing what is known in church speak as visitation.  She was gracious and welcoming, pleased to see us; but I found myself uncomfortable, because she was different than anyone I knew and simple in thought and action.   While there, she entertained us with her autoharp and song.  I liked her music but didn't know why and wasn't sure I should like it.   (Why I thought I was a paragon of sophistication, I don't know.)  What I do know now that it was Appalachian music or what we now like to call roots or Americana music.  I wish for a visitation do over, where I could tell her how good she was and how she touched my soul; and she did or I wouldn't yet remember her.  I hope she went on to live a beautiful life with her Savior, playing her harp, with His melody in her heart.  Iris Dement's singing reminds me of her.    

 Leaning On the Everlasting Arms - Iris Dement 

Arms to Lean On

Deuteronomy 33:27a

New International Version (NIV)

27 The eternal God is your refuge,

    and underneath are the everlasting arms.

A loving father taught me that my Heavenly Father is also good and loving, one with strong arms that would hold me fast, a trustworthy God.  It takes so little really, dads, to model God for your children.  I have a clear memory of my very young self sitting on my Dad's lap in church and being enthralled by a father so talented at twiddling his thumbs.  He could do that and so much more.  It was a beautiful day today, reminding me of how Dad would say we were living in God's country.  I do believe, though, that as long as I was in my father's household, I was in God's country indeed.  

Leaning On the Everlasting Arms - Iris Dement