Ode to a Writer's Joy by Sharon Espeseth

Read God's Word in a Quiet Place
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"Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest," Jesus tells his disciples. Travelling two by two, the men had travelled through surrounding villages preaching repentance, driving out demons, anointing and healing the sick.

The disciples, anxious to tell Jesus their many experiences, needed undisturbed time with their Master. The people, seeing Jesus, ran to the other side of the lake and were there when the boat arrived.

When Jesus saw this huge crowd, he had compassion on them, "because they were like sheep without a shepherd." Instead of turning them away, Jesus began teaching them.

Please. . . .

As writers, we also seek quiet, but often we can't get away from the phone, online messages, meetings, and the needs of other people. Sometimes, we feel more harried than joyful, and, in all honesty, this is what I am feeling as I begin this blog. Rushed. Jittery. Frustrated.

Dear Lord, I pray that you will fill me with your love, joy and peace. Guide me and give me wisdom in setting priorities. May your love and grace abide in my heart as I turn my planning over to you. Instead of attempting to meet everyone's needs, help me show compassion for them, but remind me to impress on them that only you can meet all their needs.

First I pray. Then, applying "bum glue" to my chair, I sit down in my office. As words appear on my screen, I become, not joyful, but calm. I enjoy this time to write.

First, why do I write? Upon arising this morning, my husband asked me this very question.

Because I enjoy writing. I write because it helps me figure things out. (Like right now.)

Because this is a way I can share my faith and what I am learning about life.

Because I have stories and ideas inside me.

To give glory to God.

Because God has blessed some/all? of my writing to certain individuals. Readers responses encourage my doubting spirit.

What hinders my writing?

Distractions, committing to more than I can handle, procrastinating, over-helping and trying to fix people, not discussing specific situations with the Master Planner.

Should I quit writing? 

Funny you should ask, because I just got some answers to that question. Can you recall one long road trip, someone said, let's say from Edmonton to Vancouver? Did you expect to make it the whole way without hitting any red lights?

If you've thought of quitting lately, you must read "Go Ahead and Quit!" by Janice L. Dick. (See janicedick.wordpress.com)

Furthermore, "The person born with a talent they are meant to use will find their greatest happiness (joy) in using it. (Goethe)

Am I a good enough writer? (Was Paul a good enough disciple?)

To hear Paul's thoughts on discouragement, read 2 Corinthians 12:6-10. To hear his voice, read the passage in The Message. "If I had a mind to brag. . . but I'll spare you. . . , says Paul. "So I wouldn't get a big head, I was given the gift of a handicap to keep me in constant touch with my limitations."

Three times Paul begged God to remove his handicap, but God told him

"My grace is enough; it's all you need.My strength comes into its own in your weakness."

Grasping this message, Paul says, "I quit focusing on the handicap and began appreciating the gift." God's strength moved in on his weakness. "Now I take limitations in stride, and with good cheer," Paul says, and he let Christ take over! Paul concludes,  "The weaker I get, the stronger I become."

I have paraphrased Eugene H. Petersons's translation of the story, but I appreciate the entire passage.

How does my writing affect me?

Starting this blog, I admit I was none too joyful. Distractions overwhelmed me, but I prayed. A friend prayed that I wouldn't let Anyone steal my joy. Like Paul, I said, "There (is) no danger of walking around high and mighty!" Speaking to Jesus, I tapped into his strength and understanding. Humbled, I acknowledge my need of guidance from the Holy Spirit.

Dear Jesus, remind me regularly to tap into your strength and understanding in order to overcome my weakness. Thank you for cheering me up, for helping me get this blog written , and for my being able to end this Ode to a Writer's Joy on a higher note. Praise God. Amen. 

Ending on a Higher Note!
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Christ in Me -- Janet Sketchley

I’m still trying to grasp the simplicity—but liberating power—of Christ in me, my hope of glory. The Bible promises that in Him we have everything we need for life and godliness (2 Peter 1:3).

The Holy Spirit lives in me, and the Spirit is all I need for life and godliness—if I’ll let Him influence how I live.

The Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, meekness and self-control (Galatians 5:22). My natural spirit is selfish, and none of these good things.

I used to think the fruit of the Spirit were attributes God would develop in me. I’d become more patient, for example. But wouldn’t that be like expecting oranges to develop on an apple tree? I am more patient than I was, and that’s His doing, as I learn to walk His way a bit. But that’s not my natural spirit, that’s me getting used to His and letting Him shape my responses.

The Holy Spirit hasn’t been grafted onto me to grow—I’ve been grafted onto Him. So I’ll grow as I draw my strength and nourishment from Him. But the thing I come back to is this: He’s already there, invited in and received by faith, even though so rarely seen. So when there’s a stimulus, I can choose how to respond—if I’m submitted to Him and not being selfish.

Think of a standard doorway from a room. Two full-sized people can’t exit side by side; one must go first. LORD, please help me to hold back, to let Your Spirit go out first. Not only does He deserve first place, but His presence will change things in a good way.

This makes me see what Paul says to the Galatians in a different light. Galatians 3:3 says, “After beginning with the Spirit, are you now trying to attain your goal by human effort?” (NIV) He’s talking about the goal of righteousness and salvation, and about them beginning with faith but now trying to hedge their bets by observing the law. But the verse also speaks to me about righteousness and godly living.

Am I trying to do it by human effort? No wonder it’s not working too well. The Spirit isn’t going to take me over and push His way out. Like Anne Graham Lotz says, God is a gentleman. He has manners. I have to choose to let Him out.

© Janet Sketchley, 2008
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For devotionals, reviews and conversation, stop by Janet Sketchley's blog, God with Us: Finding Joy.