Peace In The Valley

Something different this week. For many people, music is therapy, a way to express, even an outlet. Whether you listen silently, hum or sing, or even play instruments – music is just something that “hits home”. Classical, country, rock, pop, blues,…… it can just make us feel good – or even draw deep emotions and evoke sadness and regret. It can calm us down, or rev us up. It’s a very powerful thing. In the Bible there is much mention of music, instruments and their uses. We find music throughout history and in all cultures.

For this week, a challenge. Choose a favorite religious song. It can be a hymn, gospel song, song from 104.9, whatever. Think about why you enjoy it so much. Is it just the rhythm and beat? Is it just because you’ve heard it from birth and its so familiar? Is it the “feeling” or emotional effects? Do the lyrics express a message that you feel is true and honest, but something on your own you couldn’t put into words? Then- do a little research. Who wrote it, who has sung it, is there a back story? Are the words direct quotes from the bible, metaphorical, or something else? The point is to get to the reasons why the song touches you like it does. Then – dig into the “why”. See where this exercise leads you.

God gave us a gift in music. A gift to use to worship Him, but also to help ourselves. But as with anything, if abused, filled with evil and sin – it can become a hinderance and lead us away from Him. So we should be on guard. I just thought this might be a fun exercise. Feel free to share your song and what it means to you with others by posting a comment to this blog.



Here’s my example:

Peace in the Valley

Written in 1937 by Thomas A. Dorsey originally for Mahalia Jackson

Genre: Originally a blues gospel style song, but since adapted for country western and other types

Who has sang it? Elvis, Sam Cook, Tennessee Ernie Ford, Johnny Cash, Little Richard, George Jones, Dolly Parton, Faith Hill,…..and many others

Why do I like it?

Probably because as my wife says “I’m an old man in a younger man’s body”. I grew up hearing some old gospel and lots of hymns, so its very familiar to me. And its simple. As I grow older, the words seem to become more accurate for my “current state”. And when I hear it or sing it in my head (which sounds far better than when I physically sing it) – there’s the reminder of the assurance we have in salvation. I always find it uplifting

The lyrics:

I'm tired and weary   -(Ben) I’m only 48, but sure seems this is more and more true
But I must go along   -(Ben) Things continue to change whether I want them to or not.
Till the Lord comes to call me away, oh Lord –(Ben) Reminds me God is in control. Coronavirus, cancer, choking to death on a grape – it’s the Lord’s timing. There’s peace knowing this.  

Well, the morning is bright
And the Lamb is the Light –(Ben) Someday we will experience God’s glory all the time. Perhaps reference to Jesus transfiguration Luke 9:28-36
And the night is as fair as the day –(Ben) Darkness, fear – will all pass away

Oh, there will be peace in the valley for me, for me –(Ben) Our goal, the promise we hold to. Perhaps reference to Psalm 23 (…though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death…)
There will be peace in the valley for me, oh Lord I pray
No more sadness, no more sorrow, no more trouble there'll be –(Ben) A future I look forward to
There will be peace in the valley for me, for me

Well, the bear will be gentle –(Ben) Reference to Isaiah 11:6. Metaphorical for how things will change after the 2^nd coming and the new heaven and earth
The wolf will be tame
And the lion shall lay down with the lamb, oh yes

And the beasts from the wild
Will be led by a child
I'll be changed from this creature that I am –(Ben) Perhaps reference to many verses such as 1 John 3:2, the new body we will have some day

Oh, there will be peace in the valley for me some day
There will be peace in the valley for me, I pray
No more sadness, no more sadness, no more trouble there'll be
There will be peace in the valley for me, for me