Stop the Broken Record

…and you gave me a new song, a song of praise to you. Many will see this, and they will honor and trust you, the Lord God

Psalm 40:3 (CEV)

Got a stubborn streak? Hot temper? Some other undesired trait that you just can’t quit?

That was Betty Olsen’s problem for much of her youth. Life had thrown her some challenges including her mother dying, leaving her angry and resentful. She needed a total change to stop the broken record of lashing out; she needed to find a new song to sing.

A pastor helped her begin to work through her issues. Through hours of prayer and Bible reading, Betty began to unpack that hurt and let go of what she felt was her right to be angry. She gave the Lord control, and he changed her!

Betty was sent to work at a Vietnamese hospital during the war. Sadly, she was captured by the enemy’s army. While suffering brutal treatment, she was still kind to her captors. Other missionaries credited her courage and strength as the sole reason they were kept alive.

Like Betty, when you give God control of your life, he can change the ugly, angry, sinful part of you. In this week’s verse, David sang a literal song to God. We’re not sure if Betty sang out loud to God, but her new song shone through her Christ-like attitude. God can give you a new song, too. Just ask him!

SPIRITUAL FITNESS TRAINING

What old song are you stuck on? What attitude keeps tripping you up? Pray about it while you copy today’s verse onto a journal or some paper.

INSPIRATION

“Most of the people I have told about going to Vietnam are greatly concerned, and I appreciate this; however, I am not concerned, and I am very much at peace. I know that I may never come back, but I know that I am in the center of the Lord’s will and Vietnam is the place for me.”

—Betty Olsen, missionary to Vietnam during the Vietnam War

KEEP IT GOING

Related passages: These additional verses will help you expand Scriptural knowledge and place on the armor of God’s Word to tackle each day. Swipe to read the passages today.

Psalm 103:10

Isaiah 43:25

Matthew 16:25–26

John 12:24–25