The Write Conversation: Find Joy in Your Writing by Remembering to Write in Faith

Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see (Hebrews 11:1 NIV)

This verse is one of the first verses I learned when I began memorizing scripture. But until today, I had never thought about applying it to my writing. This morning I was texting back and forth with a fellow writer, trying to encourage her to move forward and leave the result up to God.

You see, November is National Novel Writing Month. Or in the vocabulary of writers, NaNoWriMo. The goal is to write fifty thousand words in one month. The plan was started to help writers get a story down, before editing. A good idea, but the schedule carries with it a lot of pressure. That bur-den was what my friend was dealing with.

So I texted that my friend should sit down at the computer and write in faith. As I hit send, the

words were highlighted and hit me like a message from God. I knew, in that moment, that I desperately needed to take my own advice.

Let me explain. To get ready for NaNoWriMo, I’d been working hard at mapping out a fiction manuscript. I’ve gotten to know my characters, researched the location, even brainstormed the major plot points.

But still I was overcome with doubt and indecision every time I sat down to write.

I had forgotten that, prepared or not, the out-come of my writing is in God’s capable hands. Sure I need to be obedient and do my homework. But then, I needed to leave the results up to him.

Even the small results.

He’s in charge of how each scene turns out, as well as how the book turns out, and even whether it’s published or not. And his supervision doesn’t only apply to fiction—He has plans for our devotions, articles, blog posts, even our social media up-dates. Beyond that, He cares about the people who will read and when they read it.

My part is small—obedience. I know, it’s not easy, but the big stuff is Gods. It’s not my place to think too far ahead in the process.

So that day I sat down and wrote with this rev-elation in mind—and the joy returned.

The pressure had disappeared and the fun of playing with the words returned. So join me, as I move forward—Write in faith!

To help you get started, I've also included this prayer for your writing.

A Prayer for Deeper Faith

So faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ (Romans 10:17 NASB)

Dear Lord, I’m struggling with my writing. I’m discouraged and need a fresh infusion of Your strength. Increase my faith and don’t let me keep spiraling down this road of negativity.

I love writing—at least I used to—but now it seems that there is so much tied to it that I can’t feel that love. In my mind, everything I do is tied to results and I know that can’t be right. The results are up to You. My part is obedience. Help me turn off my mind.

Help me redirect my anxious thoughts into peaceful paths. Give me a clear line between my part and Your part. I want to return to the freedom and joy of concentrating on the words and what You want to say through me. Take away my stress about where the words will go and who will read them.

Let me see how my words are being used by You—not enough for me to become prideful—but enough to lead me into a deeper faith. Return my joy of writing for You. It’s amazing that You would want to use me as part of Your work in this world. Remove the worry and doubt and replace it with faith. Amen.

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Find Joy in Your #Writing by Remembering to Write in Faith from @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)

*This is an excerpt from Soul Care for Writers (Bold Vision Books 2019)

Edie Melson is a woman of faith with ink-stained fingers observing life through the lens of her camera. No matter whether she’s talking to writers, entrepreneurs, or readers, her first advice is always “Find your voice, live your story.” As an author, blogger, and speaker she’s encouraged and challenged audiences across the country and around the world. Her numerous books reflect her passion to help others develop the strength of their God-given gifts and apply them to their lives. Connect with her on her WEBSITE, through FACEBOOK, TWITTER and on INSTAGRAM.