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鈥檇 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鈥檚 a familiar reminder of the 鈥渂uzzin鈥� of the bees in the cigarette trees鈥�. That鈥檚 the line I couldn鈥檛 get out of my mind.
I admit to smoking one cigarette when I was a kid. I鈥檒l 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鈥檝e entertained all this week is far more inspiring and associated with far more blessed memories. 鈥淗ow firm a foundation鈥s laid for your faith鈥�.鈥� has permeated my mind and spirit for these past days. I thought a lot about last week鈥檚 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.
鈥淎s far as听the听east听is听from听the听west,听so听far has He removed our transgressions听from听us.鈥� And never those two shall meet!
Hallelujah!
听
