Ever had a tune or the words to a song go round and round in your head, no matter what you do to drown them out? While some songs may be just what you need to brighten your day, at other times the experience is less than what you’d like.
Recently I found myself entertained (or more accurately, annoyed) by the lilt and lyrics of a real oldie, Big Rock Candy Mountain. Many of you readers probably never have heard of it, but for us older-timers, it’s a familiar reminder of the “buzzin’ of the bees in the cigarette trees.” That’s the line I couldn’t get out of my mind.
I admit to smoking one cigarette when I was a kid. I’ll tell you, though, a single puff of the smoke generated by hay wrapped in toilet paper will cure you for life! Cigarette trees not only fail to inspire me, they remind me of that choking event.
The tune I’ve entertained all this week is far more inspiring and associated with far more blessed memories. “How firm a foundation … is laid for your faith …” has permeated my mind and spirit for these past days. I thought a lot about last week’s article and the redemption of David after his horrific sins. Though not to be compared with his, at least in human eyes, I marvel at the faith he demonstrated in acknowledging the mercy and forgiveness of God when so often I have struggled with guilt and self-condemnation. You, too? How comforting, then, to be assured that whatever we have confessed to God, He not only forgives, He forgets and while we may suffer consequences, they will not be eternal.
“As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us.” And never those two shall meet!
Hallelujah!
