The Greek word logos, translated word, has many shades of meaning, from something spoken, to reasoning, to intent concerning communication. The Word, as the apostle John employed it, translates as divine expression. God the Father spoke forth the divine expression of Himself in the person of His Son Jesus, God in human flesh.
Through the Holy Spirit, God inspired writers to record His sacred story in the scriptures. The Lord told Moses, “Write this on a scroll as something to be remembered….” (Exodus 17:14) He instructed Isaiah, “Go now, write it on a tablet for them, inscribe it on a scroll, that for the days to come it may be an everlasting witness.” (Isaiah 30:8) When John received God’s revelation, he was told, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.” (Revelation 21:5)
Writing is a permanent record, a remembrance of thoughts, history and stories accessible long after the author is gone. God chose the written word as His means of expression because He knew what mode of communication would have the most impact on us. As Christian writers we’ve been given a calling to express God’s truths in whatever genre we show aptitude. The indwelling Word moves us to write what will reach those who need to hear of Him. Our role is to be available, to couch our craft in prayer, seeking guidance and inspiration. We are to hone our writing skills and educate ourselves in our literary field. Writing requires solitude, introspection, time, and foremost, a close relationship with the author and finisher of our faith. (Heb. 12:2) When a writer has an active spiritual life, the pen becomes a channel through which the ink of God’s purposes and promises can flow.
I enjoy the mystery of how God guides my writing. Upon completion of one writing project, I immediately begin to pray about the next one. I never know how God will indicate what He wants me to write next. Keeping my writer’s radar tuned in, a scripture verse may impact me, or an aspect of nature, or a snippet of conversation. An idea begins to percolate in the creative part of my brain, gradually bubbling up into a full-blown premise for a new piece. Most of the work has already been done internally before it reaches paper. I am always energized as I write, knowing the living Word is inspiring my words.
Author Madeleine L’Engle writes, “When the words mean even more than the writer knew they meant, then the writer has been listening. And sometimes when we listen, we are led into places we do not expect, into adventures we do not always understand.” 1
The Word, that Divine Expression, Jesus Christ, has been spoken into the world. Everyone is able to hear the Word, but not everyone receives its truth. As writers who are Christians, we have been gifted with a sacred task. It is not to write, but to listen. Listen for the stirrings of God in all the world around us, then let that sound become a symphony of words declaring His glory.
1 Madeleine L'Engle, "Walking on Water", Harold Shaw Publsihers 1980, p. 22
Through the Holy Spirit, God inspired writers to record His sacred story in the scriptures. The Lord told Moses, “Write this on a scroll as something to be remembered….” (Exodus 17:14) He instructed Isaiah, “Go now, write it on a tablet for them, inscribe it on a scroll, that for the days to come it may be an everlasting witness.” (Isaiah 30:8) When John received God’s revelation, he was told, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.” (Revelation 21:5)
Writing is a permanent record, a remembrance of thoughts, history and stories accessible long after the author is gone. God chose the written word as His means of expression because He knew what mode of communication would have the most impact on us. As Christian writers we’ve been given a calling to express God’s truths in whatever genre we show aptitude. The indwelling Word moves us to write what will reach those who need to hear of Him. Our role is to be available, to couch our craft in prayer, seeking guidance and inspiration. We are to hone our writing skills and educate ourselves in our literary field. Writing requires solitude, introspection, time, and foremost, a close relationship with the author and finisher of our faith. (Heb. 12:2) When a writer has an active spiritual life, the pen becomes a channel through which the ink of God’s purposes and promises can flow.
I enjoy the mystery of how God guides my writing. Upon completion of one writing project, I immediately begin to pray about the next one. I never know how God will indicate what He wants me to write next. Keeping my writer’s radar tuned in, a scripture verse may impact me, or an aspect of nature, or a snippet of conversation. An idea begins to percolate in the creative part of my brain, gradually bubbling up into a full-blown premise for a new piece. Most of the work has already been done internally before it reaches paper. I am always energized as I write, knowing the living Word is inspiring my words.
Author Madeleine L’Engle writes, “When the words mean even more than the writer knew they meant, then the writer has been listening. And sometimes when we listen, we are led into places we do not expect, into adventures we do not always understand.” 1
The Word, that Divine Expression, Jesus Christ, has been spoken into the world. Everyone is able to hear the Word, but not everyone receives its truth. As writers who are Christians, we have been gifted with a sacred task. It is not to write, but to listen. Listen for the stirrings of God in all the world around us, then let that sound become a symphony of words declaring His glory.
1 Madeleine L'Engle, "Walking on Water", Harold Shaw Publsihers 1980, p. 22
Valerie Ronald is a lifetime writer living in Portage la Prairie, Manitoba. She is a member of the Manitoba Christian Writers Association and blogs at
www.scriptordeus.wordpress.com
Thank you for this lovely and eloquent post. I am looking forward to you joining our regular roster in the new year!
ReplyDeleteInteresting to me, is the fact that I had just read Romans 10:9-18, before reading your blog, Valerie. In this scripture, St. Paul reminds us that salvation comes by confessing the Lord Jesus and believing in our hearts that God raised him from the dead. The apostle goes on to explain that if we don’t proclaim the good news, others will not get the message, which segues into . “. . . how are they to proclaim him unless they are sent? As it is written, ‘How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!’”
ReplyDeleteReading your thoughts about our being called and gifted with “the sacred task” of listening fitted so well with what Paul is saying. I so appreciate your article and especially your closing words, "Listen for the stirrings of God in all the world around us, then let that sound become a symphony of words declaring His glory.” Thank you, Valerie. And Amen.