Lean on Him

 

Word Weavers International provides a forum for Christian writers to critique one another's work in a face-to-face format. I attend a Word Weaver chapter monthly in Hartselle, AL. We begin each meeting with a devotion, and I wrote this one for them. My fellow Word Weavers thought it was good enough to post as a blog. Although it is specifically about writing, it can be applied to any endeavor. It is an encouragement for anyone who is disappointed.

 

Lean on Him

 

You have searched me, Lord, and you know me. You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar. You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways. Before a word is on my tongue, You, Lord, know it completely. You hem me in behind and before, and you lay your hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too lofty for me to attain.

 Psalm 139:1-6 (NIV)

As writers, we often find ourselves in moments of uncertainty, doubt, and frustration. It may be writer’s block. We meticulously plan the plot, research locations, and interview all the characters (in our mind, of course) for our story. Then we sit down with a blank page and … nothing. The next day … nothing, and so on. We may have received rejection letter, after rejection letter, after rejection letter. We may find ourselves questioning the value of our words or feeling vulnerable about sharing our work. How can we find help in times like these?

Remember that song, Lean on Me? “Lean on me when you're not strong. And I'll be your friend. I'll help you carry on... “Wouldn’t it be great if we had a friend to lean on during those times of uncertainty, doubt, and frustration? A friend who truly understands us and can come alongside and help us.

As writers, our journey is often deeply personal and unique. Our family may not understand us, but Psalm 139 assures us that God knows us intimately. He is aware of our every thought, our every struggle, and our every triumph. Knowing that God is familiar with all our ways brings a profound sense of comfort. He understands our creative process, our moments of inspiration, and our periods of doubt. He is with us in every step, guiding and supporting us.

This scripture is particularly meaningful for writers, as it speaks to the divine understanding of our words and intentions. Sometimes we may feel that our words are inadequate or that they fail to capture the depths of our thoughts and emotions. Yet, God comprehends the full extent of what we are trying to express. He perceives the heart behind our writing and the messages we seek to convey. In those moments when we doubt the impact or clarity of our words, we can find reassurance in knowing that God understands our innermost expressions.

 

Dear Lord,

As we embark on our writing journey, we seek Your presence and guidance. We find comfort in knowing that You understand our thoughts, our words, and our struggles. Help us to lean on You in moments of doubt and to trust in Your wisdom and knowledge. Bless our writing endeavors and use our words to bring light, hope, and encouragement to others.

In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.