music

You Are God

/ Gail Johnson

Often when going through certain circumstances, I find myself writing. Dark blue words spill on tear-stained paper as my frustrations leave me on the floor. But, as I continue to write, something begins to happen. My prayers become praises when I am reminded of His Faithfulness.

Psalms 23

As the words flow, they become part of me, never to be forgotten. Then, when life, once again, throws me for a loop, the words and music come out of nowhere and brings peace to my troubled soul.

Do songs come to mind when you’re in the midst of trials?

Prayer of Praise

Oh Lord, how I love You. I will lift my voice in praise to You. You are Faithful. Your mercies are new every morning! In times of trouble, You are there. I am not alone. Though I walk through darkened places, You are my light. I will not fear. When the enemy rages, You are my shield and buckler. I am safe from harm. Great is Thy Faithfulness! Great is Thy love and mercy! Let Thy name be forever praised.

Music Is A Heart Thang

/ Gail Johnson / 2 Comments

From my earliest memories, music was, and is, an important part of my life. From listening to the radio to singing in church, music shaped my world.

It defines my mood. You can tell exactly what’s on my mind by listening to the music playing in my truck, on my computer, or inside my head. Music says it all. Music is a heart thang!

Every singer, if they are to connect with their audience, must get in touch with something inside them. They will have to own the song. Writers, on the other hand, are different. They live the song. You hear it in their voice. You see it in their eyes. You believe what they’re saying. You can agree, or disagree, but you will feel something.

There is nothing like listening to someone belt out a song of celebration, heartache, defiance, or determination with every ounce of their being.

I grew up listening to different genres of music and watching the artist perform. Each one taught me different things. As I read the stories behind the songs, I grew to admire the person.

One such woman was Dottie Rambo. To see her on stage, you would never know her heartaches in this life. But you definitely could hear them in her music!

Just a few facts about her life:

  • She was eight when she heard the lyrics of her first song.
  • Began singing on country radio when she was ten.
  • Gave her heart to Jesus when she was twelve.
  • Her father demanded she give up her faith or leave home. Dottie left home.
  • Her mom placed an address tag around her neck, in case she got lost, and kissed her good-bye.
  • She sang in churches, making little money.
  • She suffered excruciating pain from a ruptured disc in her back.

While on stage, she wasn’t sad. She refused to back down from her walk with God. She gave God the glory for all He did in her life. She sang of wanting to see Him. At the end of your life, her voice weak, she still sang of His goodness.

I think it is sad when we sing these songs without ever knowing the story behind the song. The story behind the song is why the song was written in the first place.

Songs

“Too Much to Gain to Lose”
“He Looked Beyond My Faults and Saw My Need”
“Mama’s Teaching Angels How to Sing”
“Remind Me, Dear Lord”
“Shelter in the Arms of God”
“If That Isn’t Love”
“Build My Mansion Next Door To Jesus”
“Tears Will Never Stain”
“I Go to the Rock”
“We Shall Behold Him”
“I Will Glory in the Cross”

Artists who have recorded her songs include:

Elvis Presley
Vince Gill
Barbara Mandrell
Johnny Cash
Dottie West
Pat Boone
Sandi Patti
Bill Monroe
The Isaacs
The Oak Ridge Boys
Whitney Houston

 

Worthy Of Praise

/ Gail Johnson

Oh that men would praise the LORD for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men! Psalms 107:8

Psalms 107 is a song of thanksgiving and an exhortation to testify of the many blessings of God.

  • Deliverance
  • Safety
  • Redemption
  • Healing
  • Guidance
  • Blessings

Spring is a season of renewal. The earth wakes from winter’s nap and burst forth in song.

centerofhiswheel.com

Everywhere I look, I behold the beauty of the Almighty’s hands. I see His handiwork in the heavens and in the earth. I breathe in His fragrance.

My faith is renewed. My spirit, uplifted. A joy like no other fills my soul. Do I have a reason to testify to friends and loved ones?

Yes!

When I read this chapter, I see that everything He promised, He delivered. If He did it then, He’ll do it now. Do I have reason to fret?

No!

From Genesis to Revelation, the writers testify of His faithfulness.

And when I dig past the circumstances, when I push aside the worries, when I call to mind all the times He has seen me through, I can praise His name!

However, praise, like water, will not flow from a dry well. It must be primed. When my mind is filled with clutter, and it seems I have nothing to praise Him for, I look to the cross.

He came looking for me when no one else did. He loved me when no one else did. He helped me when no one else could. He healed my wounds. He guided my steps. He blessed me beyond measure.

centerofhiswheel.com

He alone is worthy of praise.

Oh that men would praise the LORD for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men! Psalms 107:8

When I praise His name in the midst of my trials, my circumstances change. He lifts me above my sorrows, eases my pain, and gives me strength to face another day.

Blessed be the name of the Lord!