This devotional series corresponds to the CD, Eyes on You. Each month features a song’s background story and related biblical message.

To hear “Broken,” a sample song from this CD, click here.

Eyes on You: Broken
by Ruth Wood

BEHIND THE MUSIC
I needed more music for my album, so I tried updating an old song, “Close to a Broken Heart. ” However, none of my ideas felt right. When a new title, “Broken,” occurred to me, I decided to start from scratch. My goal was for the listener to first identify with my feelings before “seeing” an answer, so I wrote about my experience—feeling shattered, aimless, numb.

In the chorus I switched the focus to Jesus’ brokenness because in gazing at Him, we gain perspective on our troubles. Sometimes we must force our hearts away from pre-occupation with circumstances to have eyes for Jesus only. In His presence we find peace and hope.

Now the lyrics were almost completed, but I wasn’t happy with the melody. The thought of not finishing the song distressed me. More than anything, I wanted to touch people who, like me, know the staggering weight of utter brokenness. I longed to offer perspective, encouragement, and a measure of comfort.

Before the next writing session, I prayed in earnest that the Lord would enable me to finish my work and do it well. I asked Him to use my experience for good in the lives of others, and said, “There are so many hurting people out there. Please help me write this song for them.”

Then I set to work. I listened to music to test ideas for the mood. Mark Schultz’s “Remember Me” featured a nice cello and the tempo was right. As I sang, experimenting with different concepts, I suddenly found myself teary. In an instant I knew the melody was right. After the song was finally finished, I realized how wonderfully the Lord had answered my prayer. Over and over I began to praise and thank Him. Co-writing with the Lord can turn into a truly ecstatic experience!

REFLECTIONS

“Why do you feel pain when your heart has turned to stone…how do you survive?”

It’s a strange thing how the worst heartache can leave you feeling numb. In our despair, perhaps what we need more than anything is hope.

My words of comfort are so inadequate, for they are only human. Instead, let me offer God’s words of encouragement, as spoken through prophecy (from Isaiah 61):

“The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me (Jesus), because the Lord has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners…to comfort all who mourn, and provide for those who grieve in Zion—to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair.”

Copyright 2005, Ruth Wood. All Rights Reserved. Used by permission.

Bio:
As editor of Comfort Cafe, Ruth Wood passionately desires to bring comfort and healing to hurting women, whether through writing, speaking, or composing music. She and her husband live in Oregon, have two grown sons and a 22- year-old cat. Listen to her award winning music at www.ruthwoodandfriends.com. She may be reached at info@ruthwoodandfriends.com.