Devotions with Holly Woodbridge

David and Heavy Metal Music:  A pondering by Holly Woodbridge

We often imagine David sitting with his harp in a flowering meadow. He sweetly sings his praises to God as the sheep graze peacefully beside him. Perhaps there is one crazy little lamb hopping around, but for the most part it is a serene scene with azure blue skies and a stray cloud on the horizon. But anyone who has read through the psalms and the life of David know he is more warrior than harpist, more passionate than passive, more metal than meek. When David came to the Lord. He came real. He came raw. Try the opening verses in Psalm 28…

A Heavy Metal Song of David.
PSALM 28 
Lord, you are my Rock.
    I am calling to you for help.
    Don’t close your ears to my prayers.
If you don’t answer me,
    I will be counted among the dead.
2 I lift my hands and pray toward your Most Holy Place.
    Hear me when I call to you.
    Show mercy to me.

I don’t imagine this as a whisper, but a loud weeping, even a scream. I love this about David because I have days like this. Days when my prayers are heavy metal crying out, not quiet melodies of calm. And God invites me, real and raw, to come to Him.
I also love that David so often finishes his metal music pieces with a ballad of surrender,  he has been heard, he is known, and he is loved.

6 Praise the Lord!
    He has heard my prayer for mercy.
7 The Lord is my strength and shield.
    I trusted him with all my heart.
He helped me, so I am happy.
    I sing songs of praise to him.
8 The Lord protects his chosen one.
    He saves him and gives him strength.
9 Save your people.
    Bless those who belong to you.
    Lead them and honor them forever.

Today may be a good day for you. Enjoy the sun and the flowers your Father has provided. Sing your ballad of gratefulness with a full heart.
Today may be dark and difficult for you. You may not even be able to articulate your pain to the Father. In that case, join me in screaming out a heavy metal tune to the One who knows you and loves you and is present in it all. Then after it is all relinquished, hum a little tune of surrender and trust. He has you on good days, bad days, and boring days too.

If you’re brave enough, Here is a little Christian Metal for you to enjoy or endure….😊
 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eBFf8rpqzvM