My faith blog speaks to others about God, who He is and what His word teaches. But I am the one that is ministered to through my own writing process. He uses the moments He gives me to research more of Him in His word, learn more about who He is, and how He calls me to live. Although my goal is to share nature’s beauty and God’s word, it feels like I receive more than give. And that can feel selfish, this writing of devotionals when it turns inward, toward me. Honestly, I’m still learning how to navigate that selfish feeling.
Let’s take today for example. Just prior to writing this post, I was spraying Dr. Doom foam into the ant hills in my lawn. And I began to think about the acronym for ANTS—Automatic Negative Thoughts. I’d had a restless evening the night before from a racing mind of negative thoughts. I took a break from spraying the annoying critters to text the following to a Christian sister.
"I’m Dr. Dooming my ants and made me think that wouldn’t it be great to have a Dr. Doom for my ANTS? Squirt of foam and poof—they’re caught and smothered. Then thought…do have a Sword to kill them. God’s word dooms them to death with the truth. And eventually will get complete victory over the ‘queen’ causing all the havoc. Just a Sunday thought to share. :)"
As I wrote that text, my mind was already onto formulating a devotional post on the subject of ANTS and all that God’s given us to combat those negative critters that can invade our minds. Later my research led me to the following scripture verses.
For the word of God is living and active, sharper than two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. Hebrews 4:12 ESV
And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, Ephesians 6:17 ESV
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you. Philippians 4:8-9 ESV
Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. 1 Peter 5:8
For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ, 2 Corinthians 10:4-5
And finally, but not any less than all the others, the one that tugged my heart to be the centre of the devotional I am still to write.
When the cares of my heart are many, your consolations cheer my soul. Psalm 94:19 ESV
You cheer my soul. You care. And knowing that truth brings my mind the peace it needs.
Today, no matter if writing for yourself or others, may God's consolation be cheer for your soul.
I think for many writers - myself included - the process of writing is a cathartic exercise that ministers as much to ourselves as to others. Thanks for these thoughts.
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely Tracy!
DeleteWriting has always been cathartic for me as well, Lynn. I agree that, as writers, we also benefit from studying various Scriptures on a theme to come up with a good article. As writers and as Christians, we make choices. One choice is what we think about, what we let our minds dwell on. Your including the reading from Philippians 4: 8-9 is key, because it speaks of protecting our minds and imaginations. Letting our minds go down the wrong path is just as bad as letting our feet go there.
ReplyDeleteWe can protect our minds and our imaginations by focussing on the things listed in Paul’s letter to the Philippians. When we write about things that are true, lovely, commendable, pure and so on, we are preparing a feast for our readers. I see nothing wrong in our sitting down and enjoying this feast of ideas with our guests. Although we prepare it for others, should we not dine with them too?
Thanks for your excellent thoughts on this month’s theme, Lynn.
"He uses the moments He gives me to research more of Him in His word, learn more about who He is, and how He calls me to live." This is the beauty for writers who are Christian.
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad God understands us. Many of those critical thoughts come from what negative-minded folks have told us. That's why I love success stories of people who were told over and over that they'd never be anything.
ReplyDelete