by Kennita (Kay) Williams
“Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and He will establish your plans.” – Proverbs 16:3
As writers, we often feel the pull of creativity and the weight of deadlines. The blank page can be both exhilarating and intimidating, and the idea of planning may seem restrictive in a world where inspiration is often viewed as spontaneous. Yet, Scripture reminds us of the power of intentionality, commitment, and trusting God with our plans.
The start of a new year is the perfect time to pause, reflect, and set goals for your writing journey. Whether you are working on a book, blog, poetry, or other creative projects, having a clear vision and a strategic plan can be the key to moving forward with purpose.
3 Biblical Principles to Encourage You as You Plan for a Successful Writing Year:
1. Seek God First in Your Writing Goals
“But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” – Matthew 6:33
Your writing is not just a personal endeavor; it is a gift and a calling. Before setting your goals, take time to pray and invite God into the process. Ask Him what He wants to accomplish through your writing. Maybe He is calling you to encourage others, share His truth, or explore stories that reflect His love and grace.
Seeking God first ensures that your goals align with His purpose for your life. It brings clarity and focus to your efforts, helping you discern what is truly important.
2. Write the Vision and Make It Plain
“Write the vision and make it plain on tablets, that he may run who reads it.” – Habakkuk 2:2
God instructed Habakkuk to write down the vision so that it could be clearly understood and acted upon. In the same way, writing your goals provides direction and accountability. Start by asking yourself these questions:
- What do I hope to accomplish this year as a writer?
- What specific projects do I want to complete?
- What areas of my writing need growth or improvement?
- What steps do I need to take to reach these goals?
Break your vision into smaller, manageable goals and set deadlines for each. For example, if your goal is to write a book, set milestones such as completing an outline, writing one chapter per month, or editing a certain number of pages weekly.
By writing the vision and making it plain, you create a roadmap to follow. This helps you stay focused and motivated, even when challenges arise.
3. Trust God to Establish Your Plans
“The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps.” – Proverbs 16:9
While planning is essential, it’s equally important to remain flexible and trust God to guide your steps. Sometimes our plans may shift, or we may face unexpected obstacles. Trusting God means holding your goals loosely and allowing Him to redirect you if necessary.
Perhaps you’ll find that God opens a door for a new writing opportunity, or maybe He’ll reveal a need to rest and reset. Whatever the case, know that He is faithful to establish your steps and bring His purpose to fruition.
Practical Tips for a Successful Writing Year
- Start Small: Avoid overwhelming yourself with too many goals. Focus on one or two key projects to prioritize.
- Create a Schedule: Set aside regular time for writing. Consistency is more important than long hours.
- Celebrate Progress: Acknowledge small victories along the way to keep yourself motivated.
- Build a Support System: Connect with other writers for encouragement, feedback, and accountability.
- Pray Without Ceasing: Keep your writing process covered in prayer, asking God for wisdom, creativity, and perseverance.
A Writer’s Prayer for the New Year
Heavenly Father,
Thank You for the gift of words and the ability to create. I acknowledge that my writing is a gift from You and that You have a purpose for every word I write.
As I step into this new year, I commit my goals and plans to You. Help me to seek You first in all I do, trusting that You will guide my steps. Give me clarity as I set my goals and courage to pursue them with diligence and perseverance.
When I face challenges or doubts, remind me of Your faithfulness and the calling You have placed on my heart. Let my writing reflect Your truth, inspire others, and glorify Your name.
Lord, teach me to be disciplined and intentional with my time. Surround me with the right people who will encourage and support me along this journey. And when I succeed, may I give all the glory to You.
I surrender my writing to You, knowing that You will establish my plans according to Your will. Thank You for the opportunity to create and share, and may this year be fruitful and fulfilling as I walk in obedience to Your calling.
In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.
Reflection Questions
- What specific writing goals has God placed on your heart for this year?
- How can you seek God’s guidance and incorporate prayer into your writing process?
- What steps can you take today to write the vision and make it plain?
As you embrace this year with a heart full of faith and a pen ready to write, remember that God is with you every step of the way. Commit your work to Him, and watch how He transforms your efforts into something beautiful and meaningful.
TWEETABLE
Thank you Kay for this inspiring post. Goals are scary, but I might actually try to write the vision plainly this year! God bless you and your goal-setting.
ReplyDeleteThe prayer is exactly what I needed. I prayed it word for word and may print it out and tape it on my desk.
ReplyDeleteI love this line in your prayer: "I surrender my writing to You, knowing that You will establish my plans according to Your will." I am always working on improving my letting go of my own ideas/plans and trusting the Lord to work his will through me. Thank you for the reminder!
ReplyDeleteKay, the prayer you wrote so beautifully mirrors the thoughts in my heart. I printed it to help me remember.
ReplyDelete