As many of you know, folk/country music (especially John Prine) has in many ways provided the sound track for a good portion of my life. This music runs not just through my mind, but also through my blood. The music of John Prine, Johnny Cash, Patsy Cline, George Jones and others can take to an old familiar place where I feel just as depressed and crazy, but less alone.
I came to a decision this week, though, that I would undergo a musical blood transfusion. With the help of one of my daughters, I replaced the folk/country music on my iPod with some Christian praise. My hope is it will help lift me out of that state of sorrowful self-reflection into a place where I contemplate the goodness of God in the land of the living.
While some Christian music can be a bit bland and polly-ana-ish, much of what I have now on my iPod are honest expressions of praise from wandering souls in an imperfect world. A great example is this song my Andrew Peterson -
Now and then these feet just take to wandering
Now and then I prop them up at home
Sometimes I think about the consequences
Sometimes I don’t
Well, I realize that falling down ain’t graceful
But I thank the Lord that falling’s full of grace
Sometimes I take my eyes off Jesus
And you know that’s all it takes
Well I wish that I could say that at the close of every day
I was happy with the way that I’m behaving
‘Cause Job, he chased and answer
The wise men chased the Child
Jacob chased her 14 years and he
Captured Rachel’s smile
Moses chased the Promised Land
Joseph chased a dream
David, he chased God’s own heart
All I ever seem to chase is me
Well, they say a race can only have one winner
And you know you’ve got to pull out front to win
God knows the only time I’m winning
Is when I’m chasing Him
Well I wish that I could say that at the close of every day
I was happy with the way that I’m behaving
‘Cause Samson chased a woman
and he chased the Philistines
I’m not quite sure what Jonah chased
But I know he caught the sea
Cain, he chased the harvest
While Abel chased the beasts
David, he chased God’s own heart
All I ever seem to chase is me
And Jesus chased the moneymen
And he chased his Father’s will
He chased my sin to Calvary
And he caught it on that hill
Saul, he chased the Christians
Till his blindness made him see
David, he chased God’s own heart
All I ever seem to chase is me
One of these days I’m going to stop chasing myself and let the goodness and mercy of the Lord catch up with me.
*********
more musical reflections…
You are too hard on yourself–you know that don’t you? I bounce around in music. I’ve been a piano player since I was six and have therefore gravitated towards artists like Elton John, Billy Joel, Ray Charles, and The Romantics–um–okay the last one is just cheap pop bubble gum stuff, but I love them. Anyway–on the Christian front I’ve always liked 4Him (too bad they retired)–their music is a good mix of rock and praise. I also love Rich Mullins (too bad we lost him a few years ago in a tragic accident)–His music is simply great (”Awesome God” for example). But I have to say, my favorite Christian album is this one:
http://www.amazon.com/Hymns-Ancient-Modern-Passion/dp/B0001BS3KW/ref=sr_1_16?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1212183888&sr=1-16
It is Hymns-Ancient and Modern by the Passion Worship Band. It is really excellent–I highly recommend.
have a great weekend.
-Murphy
I believe that just as the people that we surround ourselves with can and do have a spiritual influence (good or bad) on us, so can what’s allowed to be taken in through our eyes and ears.
It seems like it’s a daily struggle to not allow ourselves to get in the way of God perfecting us. But, at least being aware of this mere thought does seem to offer some comfort in knowing that you’re not oblivious to the potential stumbling block.
Grace and peace, Pistol Pete.
Great words. I’ve been looking at contemporary stuff myself, but because there’s so much I don’t like, my car radio dial can’t stay there. I am refining a pandora.com station though.
How!?
All my Christian life I have been absolutely flummoxed by the idea of losing my life to save it, when it also says to lose your soul is terrible, and people like Lewis say when you lose your life for Christ you find your true self, and we know God has made us persons and does not want to dissolve us into the great nirvana of nothingness like drops of water in the ocean.
I feel and fear the death of self, and I suppose, yes, I am chasing me — but I feel that I am chasing God at the same time, and like together we are running after me and after him.
I’m talking about the real true psychological death of self… I think the Bible must be speaking more metaphorically… God can’t really want to obliterate me… I hope.
My life is hid with Christ in God. Maybe if I keep chasing myself, I will find myself where he has hidden me — in himself.
I love Andrew Peterson! “The Chasing Song” is one of those that my wife and I sing in the car. My wife, by the way, has a wonderful singing voice. As for me … well, … what I lack in talent, I make up in volume.
Anyway … I think you’re right that he doesn’t do the bland, Pollyanna thing. “Come, Lord Jesus” is a particularly powerful hit between the eyes, and many of his others are challenging about the depth of our commitment.
If you’re looking for tips on the transfusion, I would encourage Rich Mullins, Mitch McVicker, and Mark Schultz. Casting Crowns is great, too, but might not be quite your style. Still, it’s powerful stuff.
The Pistol fires back: Rich Mullins is definitely one of my favorites. And, I like a good bit of Casting Crowns. I’ll have to check out the others.
I stopped chasing me last month too, and it felt great. And since that time i am in the same mood. I trust in God..Always.. :)