Mirror

Writing My Way to God

Because of a life-long struggle with hearing issues, I escaped into the world of writing. It was safe there and continues to be. I am also very shy about speaking in front of other people because my hearing issues cause a lisp when speaking. After years of childhood bullying, I started writing about the Lord after someone from a Bible study suggested I might be more comfortable writing a prayer rather than speaking it.

And once I did, the floodgates opened! When I look back to the first essay I wrote, “Promises Kept”, I’m amazed at the Bible references I used. I was a new Christian at the time, and possibly used a concordance, but I’m still amazed at the work of the Holy Spirit when I wrote it. How else would I have known how to equate the verses with my experiences at the time? Or even to use a concordance?

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”

Joshua 1:9

One of the wonderful things about writing devotions is the opportunity to see my spiritual journey unfold and to share that journey through God’s Word. It takes an incredible amount of vulnerability to share my feelings and experiences openly and honestly. Because prayer and meditation are part of my writing process, I feel the Lord’s presence whenever I write.

Years ago, when I first started spiritual writing, I didn't want anyone to know if I felt far away from the Lord if I was angry with Him, or had difficulty trusting Him. I thought I should only write about positive feelings and experiences, and as a result in challenging times, I sometimes struggled to find words to write. But through the years as I studied His Word, my relationship with Him grew. I learned more about His forgiveness and understood that He loved me even when trust was difficult. The closer I felt to Him and the more I learned to trust Him, the hunger for His Word grew stronger and stronger. And now, I share and write with my heart—without fear or discouragement.

“I will tell of the kindnesses of the LORD, the deeds for which he is to be praised, according to all the LORD has done for us…”

(Isaiah 63:7)

Lord, I am grateful for the privilege of being able to share Your Word along with the joys and trials in my life. You are always right beside me and You never leave me. Instead, You show me how You work in my life so I can share the hope and encouragement You give me so freely. In Your Name, Lord, I thank and praise You.