Have you ever thought about how much power words have? That old saying “sticks and stones may break our bones but words will never hurt us” is way off base. Words have an enormous impact—in some cases longer lasting that the sting of sticks or stones.
That’s part of the underlying theme in the book I just turned in (Whisper on the Wind) about the power of the written word. The scenario I used was an occupied territory in a time of war, but the message can be applied anywhere, any time. So much rides on our ability to communicate our wants, needs, goals and desires.
I think any writer understands the importance of words. Words are like notes to a musician or a palette to an artist—they’re the tools we use to communicate whatever creativity we have inside of us.
But as Christian writers, we recognize another layer to the power of words—the spiritual power. We know how vital the written word is, because God Himself uses it to speak to us in the Bible.
In church this week my pastor talked about joy. He quoted the verse from Philippians about rejoicing in the Lord always. Again, Paul writes, rejoice. Did you catch the important part? Rejoicing in the Lord. That was the key to the sermon, about how being in the presence of God produces joy simply because God is the source of joy.
It reminded me that when I’m writing, I’m experiencing God. I sense Him when I’m doing what He wired me to do, which is to write. Writing, to me, is almost like having an ongoing conversation with God, because He draws me closer to Him through my characters as they struggle, balance, discover or rediscover how active He is in their lives.
So this is a great way to start the week, don’t you think? By recognizing the power of words, by drawing near my creator who is the source of joy—it’s so easy to figure that out, because when I’m doing what He wired me to do, joy really is the natural byproduct.
That’s my word of encouragement on this Monday morning for all of us: rejoice in the Lord, in whatever method He uses to draw you near.
Join Me!