Special thanks to Daniel Dalp for today’s guest post. You can read some of his other other great posts on his blog, “Common Sense and Providence.” Also, make sure you follow Daniel on Twitter @D_Dalp.

If you’ve ever listened to an old vinyl record, for those of you who haven’t, the same concept applies to CD’s, you know what happens when there is a scratch. You’ll get to a certain point on a track and all the sudden it repeats. Again, and again, and again. It’s SO frustrating when it happens on a particular song that you listen to frequently. No matter how many times you reset the record, or wipe off the CD, every time you get to that scratch the error repeats.

Something I struggle with frequently is what I call “Broken Record Syndrome”. One of the easiest ways to diagnose this condition is through examination of your prayer life. If you notice any of the following are present in your life you might have a very big problem:

  • Asking for forgiveness and promising to do better– only to continue living in sin
  • Your prayers become repetitive-from day-to-day, you find yourself asking for forgiveness of the same sins
  • You begin to form a calloused heart- sins no longer cause you to feel sorrow or shame, you don’t care
  • A consistently inconsistent walk– frequently switching from the straight and narrow to the wide and broad
  • You begin to blame others– blaming God for not helping you enough with sin, without taking initiative yourself.

Notice how these symptoms all involve that “broken record” mentality. BUT don’t give up hope; instead consult with the Great Physician! He will be able to do the following:

  • Provide you with a way of escape
  • Supply you with a caring church family to fall on
  • Listen to your prayers, and answer them
  • Point you in the right direction
  • Prescribe a healthy dose of His Word to give hope, direction, and growth
  • OFFER FORGIVENESS!

Remember, when your life and prayers become like a broken record, don’t give up hope, turn to Christ. But, keep in mind that He can only change you if you go to Him. A doctor can’t help a patient unless they seek treatment and follow the doctor’s orders. Obedience. Without it, treatment is impossible.

“But when Jesus heard that, he said unto them, They that be whole need not a physician, but they that are sick. But go ye and learn what that meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice: for I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.”
(Matthew 9:12-13)

Just a thought,

Daniel

 

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