By Cyndi
Music is based on scales or modes which produce an “atmosphere” or a “key” in which songs are played. In music theory, a V (5) chord will always want to return to a I (1) chord, the root chord. The V chord is a dominant chord within its key and to our ears it has a natural “push” or “leaning” towards the I chord. This is the logical and normal progression — the I chord usually follows a V chord.
To give you an example, think of almost any Beethoven symphony. At the end of it the chords will vacillate back and forth from I-V, usually holding onto the V a little bit longer till the grand finale when it will eventually finish on a I chord. Then it stops. The piece ends.
Whether it’s classical, old rock ‘n’ roll, newer Indie, or EDM music, all songs lead to the I chord. Even worship songs. The I chord is “home sweet home” in music. It’s the root, the foundation. It’s where all tension ceases.
And so it is with life.
All of us are yearning to go to the I chord — the foundational place of rest. The place of consonance, resolution, and peace. This is found in the love of Father God.
As with music, life has many chords.
There are times in life when we jump to the I chord for a little while, but very quickly we tend to proceed to another one, hoping to make our “music” more interesting. Now there’s nothing wrong with a song having many chords and changes. We can add 7ths, 9ths, flat 5s, to our chords, making our lives fuller or more expressive, and hoping to make our music sound better. However, if we lose the foundation of the piece — the root chord — we will “sound” scattered or busy.
It’s true that many chords can make a song more interesting. Using just two chords can be boring. But sometimes the II (2) and VI (6) chords are used to avoid going to the I chord. And sometimes we just want to change keys altogether rather than staying where we are. Nevertheless, music — its “boundaries” or “parameters” — is based on a root chord. It’s okay to venture out and explore, as Mozart did, but all of us desire a home, a resting place.
Our hearts are searching for the I chord. We’re looking for a place to stop. A place to rest and be still. (Ps. 46:10)
Father’s Love is our I chord.
All our anxieties, stresses, and movement cease at the end of a song. His love is waiting for your return. To come find rest and comfort, peace and serenity in His arms. It’s true, life will start up again the next day and they’ll be lots of chord changes that happen — but don’t forget to end on the I chord.