From Edie: Discover why wise writers pause before they speak or publish. Learn how inviting God to guide your words brings clarity, purpose, and greater impact in writing and communication.
March Forward With God: Why Wise Writers Pause Before They Speak
by Kennita (Kay) Williams
March is often associated with movement.
March forward.
Move ahead.
Advance.
In leadership, ministry, and communication, we are often encouraged to keep going to write the book, post the message, record the podcast, send the email, or step onto the stage.
But as communicators who desire to honor God, we must remember something essential:
Forward movement without divine direction can lead us somewhere we were never meant to go.
Just because we can speak does not always mean we should speak.
Just because we can post does not always mean we should press publish.
Sometimes the most powerful step forward begins with a pause.
A Pause Before the March
As writers and communicators, we have influence. Our words shape thoughts, emotions, and decisions. Words can heal or wound. They can inspire clarity or create confusion.
That is why the wise communicator learns to pause before proceeding.
Scripture reminds us of this truth in Proverbs 16:9: “In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.”
We may plan the article, the message, the caption, or the presentation, but it is the Lord who must guide the path of our words.
A pause creates space for God to order our steps.
Before writing the paragraph.
Before speaking into the microphone.
Before pressing record or hitting publish.
PAUSE.
Ask God to lead.
Communicating With Intention
In today’s fast-paced digital world, there is pressure to constantly produce content. Post daily.
Comment quickly. Respond immediately.
But spiritual wisdom invites us into a different rhythm.
A rhythm of intentional communication.
Consider the words of Psalm 37:23: “The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord: and he delighteth in his way.”
If God cares about ordering our steps, then surely, He cares about ordering our words as well.
Every message we share becomes a step in someone else’s journey.
A devotional may encourage a weary heart.
A blog post may bring clarity to someone wrestling with doubt.
A simple sentence may become the confirmation someone has been praying for.
When we invite God into our communication process, our words carry purpose beyond our own understanding.
The Communicator’s Prayer
Many writers begin their work by asking, “What should I write?”
But a wiser question might be:
“Lord, what do You want to say?”
This shift changes everything.
It moves us from striving to listening.
From performing to partnering with God.
Scripture reminds us in Psalm 19:14: “Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.”
Imagine how powerful our communication would be if every message began with that prayer.
Before writing the first sentence.
Before delivering the keynote.
Before recording the video.
We pause and invite God to shape the message.
When the Pause Protects You
The pause is not only about guidance it is also about protection.
There are moments when speaking too quickly can lead to misunderstanding, offense, or regret.
James gives us timeless wisdom in James 1:19: “Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.”
That instruction applies beautifully to communicators.
Be quick to listen.
Slow to speak.
Intentional with every word.
The pause allows the Holy Spirit to filter our thoughts before they become public statements.
Sometimes the pause will confirm the message.
Sometimes the pause will refine the message.
And sometimes the pause will reveal that the message is not meant to be shared at all.
March Forward With Wisdom
So yes, March Forward.
Write the book.
Share the message.
Encourage the audience.
But do not rush ahead of God.
Let Him order your steps.
Let Him shape your words.
Let Him guide the message.
Because the most impactful communicators are not the loudest voices or the fastest publishers.
They are the ones who have learned to pause long enough to hear God first.
And when God orders your steps, every word you release carries greater clarity, purpose, and impact.
Prayer
Heavenly Father,
Thank You for the gift of communication and the opportunity to use our words to encourage, teach, and inspire others. As we move forward in our writing and speaking, help us remember the importance of pausing before we proceed.
Order our steps, Lord, and guide our words. Let every message we share reflect Your wisdom, Your truth, and Your love.
Teach us to listen before we speak, to seek Your direction before we publish, and to trust that when You guide our steps, our words will reach the hearts that need them most.
May our communication always bring clarity, encouragement, and hope.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen.
TWEETABLE
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