There’s within my heart a melody – 27 July 2021, Anno Domini

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Y reason of the multitude of oppressions they make the oppressed to cry: they cry out by reason of the arm of the mighty. 10  But none saith, Where is God my maker, who giveth songs in the night; 11  Who teacheth us more than the beasts of the earth, and maketh us wiser than the fowls of heaven? 
12  There they cry, but none giveth answer, because of the pride of evil men. 13  Surely God will not hear vanity, neither will the Almighty regard it.     (Job 35:9-13)

 

            This is a Gospel song written by Luther Bridges (1884-1948) The author wrote the lyrics shortly after a terrible family tragedy. While a student at Asbury College in Kentucky Luther met and fell in love with Sarah Vetch. The couple were married and had three sons. Once while preaching at a service near his wife’s parent’s home in Kentucky, at which there were many professions of faith, Luther received a call informing him that his wife and three sons were burned in the fire that destroyed her parents’ home. 

 

He was devastated and asked why God would allow such a thing while he was doing his work of evangelization. He was bereaved for his wife and children, and asked himself, "How could this happen while I was doing God's will?"  Once Luther stopped asking God ‘Why?’ he was inspired to continue his ministry. "The Lord is my portion saith my soul. They that dwell in the secret place of the most high shall abide in the shadow of the Almighty." Luther thought to himself, "The secret place, the shadow , and the presence of the Almighty", he could trust Him. The God of all earth would not fail or forsake him.

 

There’s within my heart a melody

 

There's within my heart

There's within my heart a melody, 

Jesus whispers sweet and low, 

Fear not, I am with thee, peace be still. 

In all of life's ebb and flow 

Chorus:

Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, 

Sweetest name I know, 

Fills my every longing, 

Keeps me singing as I go.

 

All my life was wrecked by sin and strife 

Discord filled my heart with pain 

Jesus swept across the broken strings 

Stirred the slumbering chords again

Chorus

 

Feasting on the riches of His grace, 

Resting' neath His Sheltering wing, 

Always looking on His smiling face, 

That is why I shout and sing.

Chorus:

 

Tho' sometimes He leads thro' waters deep 

Trials fall across the way, 

Tho' sometimes the path seems rough and steep, 

See His footprints all the way.

Chorus:

 

Soon He's coming back to welcome me 

Far beyond the starry sky 

I shall wing my flight to worlds unknown 

I shall reign with Him on high.

Chorus:

 

            The words of the popular old gospel hymn cited above reveal the kind of fiber with which the Christian hearts should be filled – melodies of love, hope, faith, and trust, and of friends dear and precious. 

 

            I have found it a blessing to reflect upon the melodies that have enriched my life. The vibrant voices of the people of St. Andrews Parish, young and old, are a source of warmth and strength to me in my daily walk. During my moments of sorrow or challenge, I recall those familiar voices and rejoice in God. Their shining faces are associated with thousands of little kindnesses they have afforded me without condition. 

 

            My surety of the promises of God are reinforced by the Sunday readings from the Scriptures of young voices whose association with the English language is measured often in months and not days, the beauty of music both sung and played by our youth - the melodious harmony of violin chords performed by our young ladies so wonderfully as to evoke the praise of Heaven, the organ and piano renditions of the beautiful old hymns of the church – these are my daily fare and sustenance. 

 

            It is upon each other that we Christians must lean in times of despair and hopelessness that reveals our own testimony and depth in Christ. We are each other’s angels to a certain degree. 

 

            The broader Communion of our fellow saints from around the globe combine together in joyous musical acclamation of the Creator God and His Glorious Son in time present, past and future. 

 

            Though we approach the Throne of Grace as individuals, we are thereafter united as One Body in Christ forever. We bear one another's burdens, share our common hurts and pains, and work together to reach those whose lives are steeped in seemingly impenetrable darkness. 

 

            It is the exalted and blessed melody that we bear in our hearts that distinguish us visibly, and invisibly, as the people of God and members of His Glorious Church.