Before the CD, DVD and iPod, we listened to music on discs made of vinyl. Truly. We used a device called a record player, which spun a vinyl disc on a turntable and amplified the recorded sound with a sensor called a stylus. This pin pointed instrument was located at the end of a swing arm. As the record turned, the stylus would follow grooves pressed into the vinyl, pick up the sound, sending it to the amplifier and out the speakers. Voila! I have now dated myself. All that to listen to a song!

Once in a while, due to dust, a scratch or damage to the vinyl record, the stylus would get stuck in a groove. When this happened, the same phrase would play over and over and over again until the stylus was moved along its intended path.

The term “broken record” refers usually to a person who keeps saying the same things over and over and over, until someone pipes up, “Stop already, I’ve got it! You’re sounding like a broken record”.

I’m thrilled however, when God’s Word to my heart is like a broken record. For the past few weeks now, Jeremiah 29:11 has been playing over and over and over again in my mind. It’s been such great comfort: “'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.'"

Lord, you can sing that song into my heart all day! Please, Father, like a young child at bedtime, tell me again about your plans for me ... please!

I also believe that this is no mere coincidence. This is divinely directed. I am at a crossroads in my life and ministry. There are a number of projects I’ve been working on and praying about. Will they ever come to fruition, Lord? Have you forgotten me?

“No Mary, I have plans for you. Plans for your welfare and not for your harm, so that you may have a future of hope.”

Play on, sweet song of hope. Play on! Lord, tell me again. Remind me once more. Repeat your promise to my heart. Let it become for me a song in my heart, its stanzas ringing with joy and a tempo to set my mind dancing.

Play on, sweet song of promise. Play on! Lord, Your Word is like blessed music that resonates deep in my soul. I sing the heart of God. His promises become as a favorite hymn. Don’t move the stylus forward. Let it play on and on and on! Play on sweet promises of God. Play on! Amen!

Copyright © 2009 by Waters of Life^TM Ministry for Women, Inc., www.wolministry.com Share