Out of all our five senses, listening can be the hardest to manage well. We can choose not to touch something. We can shut our eyes when there is something we do not want to see. But our ears are generally always open, receiving the noice around us. The closer the noise is to us, the louder it is. When receiving direct verbal criticism, the loudness can expand beyond our ears to negatively pierce our hearts and bruise our confidence. We may lash out with harsh words of our own, or withdraw to nurse our hurts in isolation.
As writers, criticism may shake us to where we wonder if we really should continue to write the words we believe God has given us to share.
If you are struggling today from a criticism that has shaken you to the core and off your feet, may you be refreshed by the words of the of the psalmist promising that God’s hands are leading and holding you.
If I take the wings of the morning and dwell in the uttermost of the sea, even there your hand shall lead me, and your right hand shall hold me. Psalm 139:9-10 ESV
May any anger you are holding onto be released for forgiveness bringing you peace of mind so you continue writing the words only you can.
"With all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace." Ephesians 4:2-3 ESV
And then may you respond as your best self, fully loved, forgiven, led, and held by the One who knows you best.
He knows us far better than we know ourselves, knows our pregnant condition, and keeps us present before God. That's why we can be so sure that every detail in our lives of love for God is worked into something good. Romans 8:27-28 The Message
Thanks, Lynn, for your thoughtful insights into how we can maintain our sense of spiritual and emotional balance when we are unduly or harshly criticized. Thanks also for the appropriate and beautiful Bible verses to support this month's theme.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your thoughts Lynn and God bless.
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