"Over the Rainbow" More then a Lullaby

Nanny has sung this song to you first, hasn’t she? "Over the rainbow" is a very popular song that made its ascension from the cradle to some important tops as well as to the toughest men in the world: warriors. The American troops in Europe in World War II, took the song and made it a symbol of their far away home land which was actually the United States.

Over the rainbow was the "Songs of the Century" representing the top of the list of the National Endowment for the Arts and the Recording Industry Association of America compilation and also, top of the American Film Institutes's "100 Years, 100 Songs" list.

You will fall in love with the song if you haven’t already…the verses are here and even without the melody, they say a lot. However the music is simply charming and whether you are an adult or child, they make you wish for that "land over the rainbow".

"Somewhere over the rainbow, Way up high,
There’s a land that I heard of once in a lullaby,
Somewhere over the rainbow, Skies are blue,
And the dreams that you dare to dream,
Really do come true.

Someday I'll wish upon a star and
Wake up where the clouds are far behind me…
Where troubles melt like lemon drops
Away above the chimney tops that’s where you'll find me…

Somewhere over the rainbow
Blue birds fly,
Birds fly over the rainbow why, then oh why can't I?
If happy little birds fly beyond the rainbow, why, oh why can’t I?"

The" Britain’s Got Talent" TV show (2007) turned up some awesome talent in Connie Talbot and her singing "Over the rainbow". It is simply amazing and it impressed me to tears seeing the purity of this child’s voice combined with the power of a reality, the reality of our Christian lives.

For us as Christians, the song about the land "over the rainbow", is not just a lullaby; in fact, it represents the happiest reality of them all, the Father’s promise to us! The reality beyond the human perception, the call to walk with Jesus every day and in the end, to dwell in His presence forever. Oh what a Land in the very presence of love’s Source!

Can you imagine being in the presence of the infinite Father, surrounded by infinite love, peace, joy and happiness? No, we humans do not have the capacity to really perceive infinity, for us there is a beginning and an end to all. "He has also set eternity in the hearts of men; yet they cannot fathom what God has done from beginning to end. "Ecclesiast 3:11

What has God prepared for those who love Him "over the rainbow"?

"Things which an eye didn't see, and an ear didn't hear, which didn't enter into the heart of man, these God has prepared for those who love him." 1 Corinthians 2:9 The unimaginable and unthinkable! Things that surpass all attempts of human imagination! " Who has understood the mind of the LORD, or instructed him as his counselor? Whom did the LORD consult to enlighten him, and who taught him the right way? Who was it that taught him knowledge or showed him the path of understanding?" Isaiah 40:13-14

No, we can’t imagine the splendor of purity and love we will be surrounded with in Heaven, nevertheless we are advised to think about that! Yes, the Bible tells us to focus our thinking on those things above "over the rainbow" not on the things "underneath the rainbow".

"Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. Colossians 3:1-2

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart." Jeremiah 29:11,13

Regardless of the sufferings and hardships even persecution here "underneath the rainbow", God has a promise for us and tells us assuredly: "Blessed are those who have been persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven. Rejoice, and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven." Matthew 5:12

Yes, "over the rainbow" there is the eternal reality God has prepared for all people who know Him and His Son Jesus Christ. When I say "know Him" I mean more than knowing about Him, having heard of Him. It is a relationship like with your best friend, you know her/his likes and dislikes and as time passes by, you spend more and more time together and get to know each other better and better. This is what I mean, an everyday walk with God.

May we all meet "Over the rainbow" in God’s promised Land!