2 Reasons Voice is Important to Writers

by Edie Melson @EdieMelson

When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice. But they will never follow a stranger; in fact, they will run away from him because they do not recognize a stranger's voice." John 10:4-5 (NIV)

Throughout my years of teaching—whether at a Christian Writers Conference or a Bible study—probably the question I’ve been asked the most has been, “How do I know it’s really God speaking to me?” The answer is at once very simple and very hard. You can tell it’s God’s voice, because you recognize it. 

I’ve come to realize that voice is vitally important to a writer in two ways:

• We have to come to embrace and utilize the uniqueness of our own personal voice when we write. This is a topic of craft.
• We also have to come to recognize God’s voice so that we can share what He has for us to share. This is a topic of the heart.

So how do we recognize God’s voice? How do we recognize anyone’s voice—by becoming familiar with the timber, pitch and way of speaking. I’m sure we’ve all had the experience of answering the phone and having someone begin the conversation without identifying themselves. Sometimes I can spend several moments wondering who they were. I’ve found this doesn’t often happen when the person on the other end is a close friend. 

To recognize God’s voice we have to spend time with Him—quality time—in prayer, worship and study. With that commitment of time comes the reward of a deep relationship and the assurance of knowing whose voice we hear. This doesn’t mean there aren’t still times when I question whether or not it’s God speaking, but I can say with certainty that those times become less and less, the closer I get to God.

What are some ways you’ve found to recognize God’s voice? I’d love to hear your stories.

Don't forget to join the conversation!

Blessings,

Edie

TWEETABLE

2 Reasons Voice is Important to Writers, @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)

Stop2Read

I'd love to make everyone aware of something new I'm doing with my friend and fellow author, Cynthia Cavanaugh. We have started a private group (completely free) that is reading the Bible through in TWO years. We've both been members of groups that read the Bible in a year and we want to be able to slow down and dig deeper. So from Jan 1, 2023 to Dec 31, 2024, we'll be reading the Bible from Genesis to Revelation.

Cynthia and I offer brief commentary on the reading of the day (Monday thru Friday) and encourage those reading with us to share what God is showing them. 

We do have a private Facebook group, but the commentary and discussion takes place on The Mighty Network. This is a free (to you) website and/or app similar to FB. To learn more, visit www.Stop2Read.com or our Stop2Read Private Facebook Group.

If you'd like to see an example of commentary, you may click here for the Stop2Read January 4 Commentary PDF.  

This opportunity to join us is limited. We will close this group to new members on February 1.

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 Instagram.