An Advent Mediation for Writers

by Edie Melson @EdieMelson

We are perched on the precipice of another busy season. Our days will be filled with joy and stress—and for writers—the constant give-and-take of finding time to write. I would love to share with you some of the things God has showed me regarding the four weeks of Advent. I invite you to spend some time each week asking God what He has for you regarding each of these themes.

Hope

Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. Romans 12:12

I’m not a very patient person.

There, I’ve said it. I hate to wait for something—especially if it’s something important to me.

And the world where we live tries to tell us that we don’t need patience. Everywhere we turn we’re promised instant answers, instant success, instant happiness. If we listen to the world, fulfillment comes more from a single, instant choice, than anything else.

Unfortunately, with all these instant answers, come fleeting results. As quickly as something comes, it goes. Happiness is momentary, security doesn’t last, and fame is only available in fifteen-minute increments.

God on the other hand, promises us something different.

He promises us good things when we wait. He understands that lasting results take longer than an instant. He also knows that as we grow and mature, our wants and needs will also grow and mature. 

When I first started on my writing journey, my goal was to have a book published. Which book was less important than just the fact of having a book. To me, publishing a book signified a certain prominence. 

But through the process of waiting for that first book (13 years of waiting—to be exact) God taught me that it did matter which book I published. He used that time of waiting to refine me and grow me up into the writer who could actually write the book He had for me and write it well.

We think of waiting as this thing we must to do to reach our goals and dreams. Truthfully they're being accomplished AS WE WAIT. 

So this week, look at waiting as an opportunity to practice and strengthen your hope.

Peace

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. John 14:27

Everywhere we turn we’re being urged to find balance. In advertising we’re given soothing images of candles, yoga, exercise, places to get away, etc. etc. etc. But I’ve recently begun to ask myself if that is really what living a balanced life is all about. And I’ve come to a startling revelation.

A balanced life doesn’t look like we think it should.

I’ve come to realize that balance isn’t an exterior thing, it’s an interior thing. I don’t care how strict we are about planning, diet, exercise, even environment, times of chaos will erupt. We know this is true by experience, but more importantly by looking at the life Jesus lived. 

As we march through the New Testament, we see that he has times when the crowds are pushing in, clamoring for attention. We see times when his followers disappoint him. We even see times when he is faced with unexpected (in a human sense) death.

But we also see a perfect example of living a life of balance. And it has nothing to do with what’s going on around him, much less planning, diet, exercise or environment. It has everything to do with allowing God to direct his steps.

To paraphrase a popular song, sometimes He calms the storms and sometimes He calms His child.

So, as I launch full-force into this Christmas season, I’m going to make some changes. I’m looking to God for balance, not at what’s happening around me. Care to join me?

Joy

Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. James 1:2 – 4

Publishing is a tough business. 

It’s almost impossible to write anything for public consumption without feeling like you’re throwing your heart into the lion’s den. And I don’t know about you, but I give these negative comments a lot more credibility than the positive ones. The good ones I tend to disregard with the thought that the person commenting was, “just being nice.”

With the mind-set of living on past rejections it’s possible to shrivel up and die, at least as a writer. Feeding ourselves on what’s gone before forces us to a standstill.

And it comes with an entire travel trailer full of baggage.

It’s easy to become overwhelmed with doubt, insecurity and an almost overwhelming urge to give up. Instead, draw a line in the sand. Commit today, RIGHT NOW, to begin to live in the future, on the promises God has given you.

If you’re writing now, you know what I mean. You’ve heard that still, small voice call your name. You’ve gotten that confirmation you’ve asked for. Now it’s time to move forward, believing God truly is big enough to make it happen. He doesn’t call us out, fully formed and ready. He calls us out when we’re weak—ready for Him to equip us. So choose joy—even in the midst of trials—and watch the amazing things God’s about to do!

Love

Know therefore that the Lord your God is God, the faithful God who keeps covenant and steadfast love with those who love him and keep his commandments, to a thousand generations, Deuteronomy 7:9

God loves us. We carry the label of being loved by God. With that firmly in our minds, we can navigate whatever challenges appear in our writing lives. 

We’ve all got them in our lives—people who label us. 

Sometimes the labels are good:

“You’re so smart.”

“You’re so beautiful.”

“You’re so organized…

“talented...

“spiritual…

“blessed.”

These are the labels we like to hear—whether they’re true or not. They have a seductive quality, inviting us to congratulate ourselves on what we’ve accomplished.

Sometimes the labels are bad:

“You’re so selfish.”

“You’ll never amount to anything.”

“You’re such a liar…

“a betrayer…

“untalented…

“lazy.”

Unlike the positive ones, these labels can devastate us. The echos of these take residence in our souls, providing a haunting refrain as we try to follow God’s path. 

We can’t get away from a world that seeks to define us, hanging labels on us for everyone to see. And although we know we shouldn’t, if we’re not careful, we can begin to view ourselves through the filters of others.

But let’s talk about labels from a manufacturing perspective. When goods are manufactured, there are only two sources that have the legal right to label something.

The one who manufactured the goods, and

The one who bought the goods.

That concept holds just as true for us as believers. Only two people have the authority and the right to label us.

The One who created us, and

The One who paid the ultimate price for our freedom.

These two also have labels for us.

“You are precious.”

“You are loved.”

“You are Mine.”

Today I challenge you to join me as I banish the false labels (and the false labelers) and focus on the only two who have the right to define me. Instead, lean into the love of God and remember He called you as a writer for a purpose—His purpose—and it wasn’t to make you a failure. Remain steadfast and let God’s love carry you through this next year.

For anyone who would like a PDF copy of this Advent Meditation for Writers, I've provided a link here.

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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.