My Scripture Verses for Writers - Ruth L. Snyder

This month we have been asked to share some verses that keep us fuelled for our writing journey. Most of these memes were created using the Wordswag app. A couple of the memes I created by hand.

Although writing is a calling, and often a gift, it takes work to become a skillful writer. I want to continue to fan my gift of writing into a flame that provides the warmth of encouragement, the light of truth, and even the heat of correction. I need to be sensitive to God's leading to know what He wants me to share with my readers.

Last year during our InScribe Fall Conference, Connie Inglis urged us to not only be aware of the spiritual element of writing, but to also start our writing times with prayer. This is an example of what I often pray.

Not all writing days go well. I will choose to give thanks when the words just don't flow. I will choose to give thanks when the needs of my family crowd out my writing time. I will choose to give thanks when my computer crashes.

As I write, I need to ask God for wisdom in discerning the truth. Sharing God's truth in a way that draws the reader in and makes them hungry for more is a challenge. 

I'm grateful that I don't need to live or write in my own strength. God wants me to rely on Him and is ready to help. Often my biggest struggle is giving up control and resting in my Heavenly Father.

It is natural to get discouraged when I don't see success in my writing journey. We all benefit when we help others by giving feedback, writing reviews, and celebrating book launches. When I focus on helping others, I often find that God blesses my writing as well.

Every day I need to make the choice to abide in Jesus. I need to talk with Him throughout the day. When His will becomes my will, I will want what He wants and it will be done.

How do these verses speak to you? Feel free to share in the comments.

Ruth L. Snyder squeezes writing in between caring for her husband and children, and teaching piano lessons. She is also enjoying sharing adventures with her first grandson.

Food for Your Writer’s Journey by Sandi Somers

This month’s prompt comes from Karma Pratt.

Nine Scriptures for Writers

God gave me this Scripture to share with you, “I will give you words and wisdom…” Luke 21:15. However, I’m “dry” when it comes to writing a story about it. (Perhaps I’ve been doing too much gardening?)  

In the meantime, I thought of Tracy Krauss’ comment in my April blog: “As an organization, we 'minister to writers so they can minister to others'. I think this sums up why we, collectively, do what we do, for writing is ministry.”

          As a result, I decided to share some meaningful scripture God has given me in times past, as a prayer, encouragement and food for your writing journey.

When you need to remember God’s purposes for you: “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart…” Jeremiah 1:5.

When you need confirmation of God’s empowerment: “The Sovereign LORD has given me a well-instructed tongue, to know the word that sustains the weary. He wakens me morning by morning, wakens my ear to listen like one being instructed” Isaiah 50:4.

When you have doubts about your abilities and your calling: “Write down the revelation and make it plain on tablets so that a herald may run with it” Habakkuk 2:2. (If you have a copy of 7 Essential Habits for Christian Writers, read Elaine Ingalls Hogg’s devotional, “When a Writer Has Doubts”, pp. 40-41)

When you are discouraged and need God’s encouragement: “I called you. I said, 'You are my servant'; I have chosen you’…So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand” Isaiah 41:9-10.

When you are uncertain: “Lead me, O Lord, in Your righteousness…make Your way straight before me” Psalm 5:8.

When you are afraid: “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid” John 14:27. (I read once that there are 366 verses in the Bible that tell us not to be afraid. That’s one for every day, including leap year!)

When you go through a rough phase: “I will go before you and make the rough places smooth; I will shatter the doors of bronze and cut through their iron bars.”

When life takes over through emergencies, family issues, etc. “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens” Ecclesiastes 3:1. (Read Janice Dick’s “A Time to Mourn and a Time to Write” here) 

When you need faith to ask God for something: “And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son” John 14:13. (I also love Matthew 7:7-11)

Now over to you. I look forward to your Words from God and what He has meant to you through Scriptures.