Strength For All Seasons of Writing

by Julie Lavender @JLavenderWrites

Did you know the Bible uses the word “strength” more than 350 times?* One source puts this number just over 360, which I don’t see as a coincidence. Maybe we need at least one reminder of God’s strength for every day of the year? 

They—whoever they are at the moment—point out that “be strong” shows up in various forms 13 times in the Bible, and the word “stronghold” appears 70 times in the Bible. One of my favorite phrases, “strong and courageous,”—makes an appearance three times in Deuteronomy, five times in Joshua, two times in 1 Chronicles, and one time in 2 Chronicles. 

Each “strength” mention points us back to the Almighty Father in relation to a specific Bible story in the Old or New Testament. And I believe many of those verses—the promises and pointers—can apply to our lives as writers, from the newbie stage to the sunset days. 

To celebrate the release of my newest book just two days ago—Strength for All Seasons: A Mom’s Devotional of Powerful Verses and Prayers, I’ll share some of my favorite strength verses. 

Strength Verses for All Seasons of a Writer’s Journey

INFANT: the writing dream begins

• But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint. Isaiah 40:31 ESV

• The Lord is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; he knows those who take refuge in him. Nahum 1:7 ESV

TODDLER: the writer stumbles and falls, but keeps toddling along

• I can do all things through him who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13 ESV 

• Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10 ESV

TWEEN: the writer learns, grows, and studies the craft

• My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. Psalm 73:26 ESV

• The Lord is my strength and my shield; in him my heart trusts, and I am helped; my heart exults, and with my song I give thanks to him. Psalm 28:7 

TEEN: the writer gains independence with his/her first acceptance 

• Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go. Joshua 1:9 ESV

• Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord! Psalm 27:14 ESV

ADULT: the writer settles into a comfortable routine of submitting and garnering acceptances

• Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you. Deuteronomy 31:6 ESV 

• And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. Mark 12:30

GOLDEN YEARS: the writer enjoys the sweet success of a writing dream come true, praising God for the lives He’s blessed through the writer’s God-given words

• Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Ephesians 6:10 ESV

• Seek the Lord and his strength; seek his presence continually! 1 Chronicles 16:11 ESV

From the initial flicker of a writer’s dream to the vibrant sunset of accomplishments and dreams come true, writers need God’s strength to get through each season of the writing journey. Wherever you are along the path to publication, hang onto these strength-bearing passages to carry you each step of the way. 

Join the conversation below and tell us your favorite “strength” verse below or share a time when you leaned into God’s strength to accomplish a writing goal. 

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Strength For All Seasons of Writing from @JLavenderWrites on @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)

Julie Lavender’s newest book, Strength for All Seasons: A Mom’s Devotional of Powerful Verses and Prayers, released two days ago. Published by Zeitgeist, an imprint of Penguin Random House, Strength encourages moms to use God’s powerful words as reminders to seek God no matter the situation or circumstance. She’s thrilled that her previous PRH book, Children’s Bible Stories for Bedtime, is releasing as a bilingual version in December. And she’s super-excited that her two picture books will release in 2024 and 2025 from End Game Press and Wren & Bear Books.