"Instead, it’s like writing a letter home about the place you now live." Love this line. But really the whole post. Thank you for sharing Grant. I needed to read this in this season of not having it all together but still feeling the pressure to show up and present myself a certain way.
I came to say the same thing. I'm going to post this sentence in a prominent place near my writing desk.
I want that end result of relief that you talk about. Matt. 11:28 is one of my favorite verses that I constantly want to bring to people. "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." First we must go to Jesus as his followers, and as writers, then the Spirit will help us bring his rest to others.
Great to be reminded of. Even though I'm writing a fantasy novel, I still think what you described rings true - especially when it comes to writing out of rest instead of a place of striving.
Many times I'll ask God to nudge and shape the story in the way that he wants me to tell it and to give me wisdom and revelation for the words/themes/plots I'm attempting to implement.
There are even times when I'll pray for a scene to be brought to mind. It's all very relational, this creating with the Creator.
Fantasy counts! We serve a King, and fantasy often helps us visualize good vs. evil and kings who deserve their subjects' faithfulness. Words not coming out quite right, hopefully meaning will still come through.
Thank you for this encouragement. I love how you combine the craft of writing, which many of us know and love, with the calling to minister via that craft. And how you teach us to do both.
"May the words of my [pen], and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in your sight, oh LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer." Psalm 19.14
Thank you for writing this article. I’m new to writing, and never imagined I would ever want to write, let alone publish anything. But I have felt compelled to write about my story. The topic of my Substack is very heavy, but also personal (some might say too personal), so I found your article very validating.
Such a good reminder for me! This is some of what God has been teaching me as I begin writing on my own Substack, as well as continue with my larger, ongoing writing projects. It's so easy to want to make a big impact, to write something that reaches many people, and forget that God is the only One that can change lives. We must only let Him flow through us. I love the title of this post! "The Joy of Writing From His Presence". This is what is means to be a Christian writer. Thank you for sharing!
Thank you Grant for bringing this to light. Often we come into the "world of writing" and follow the flow and learn from the authors and teachers of our culture. All the while forgetting we are called to be different. To tackle our lives from a different perspective. I think it is a lesson every Christian who writes needs to face at some point. Your article is a perfect gateway to bring us back to what we are called to do. Reflect our Lord and Savior to the world.
I’ve been contemplating this very thing as I return to blogging. You seemed to have pluck the thoughts from my own head and written more articulately than I would have about what our motivation should be, which is to always point to Christ. I loved and resonated with all of your thoughts. It’s all for His glory and not our own.
Writing * with * God is so enjoyable! Thanks for ideas for additional ways to enter His Presence before writing. Will keep this article open to reread when I have a bit more time.
Thank you for this. It really resonates with me. I made a comment on one of your posts a few weeks ago and you encouraged me to start and i finally did. Your words have impact and just proves that what you have written here is true. God bless you and the work of your hands.
"When you know who you are in Him, you don't need to maintain an image of having it all together. You're free to be honest about your journey because you're simply an exhibit of His grace." This! What a delightful invitation you've written in this piece. Thank you.
I guess, we need reminding we are in the servitude of the Great Writer. It is humbling and we ought to be humble in our service and understand that, God has given us a gift to serve Him. It is an honorable calling, to serve God and work as partners in the Gospel field.
"Instead, it’s like writing a letter home about the place you now live." Love this line. But really the whole post. Thank you for sharing Grant. I needed to read this in this season of not having it all together but still feeling the pressure to show up and present myself a certain way.
Praise God, that's great to hear.
Yes I second with her. I too loved this line.
I came to say the same thing. I'm going to post this sentence in a prominent place near my writing desk.
I want that end result of relief that you talk about. Matt. 11:28 is one of my favorite verses that I constantly want to bring to people. "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." First we must go to Jesus as his followers, and as writers, then the Spirit will help us bring his rest to others.
Great to be reminded of. Even though I'm writing a fantasy novel, I still think what you described rings true - especially when it comes to writing out of rest instead of a place of striving.
Many times I'll ask God to nudge and shape the story in the way that he wants me to tell it and to give me wisdom and revelation for the words/themes/plots I'm attempting to implement.
There are even times when I'll pray for a scene to be brought to mind. It's all very relational, this creating with the Creator.
Thanks for sharing this post.
Fantasy counts! We serve a King, and fantasy often helps us visualize good vs. evil and kings who deserve their subjects' faithfulness. Words not coming out quite right, hopefully meaning will still come through.
Thank you for this encouragement. I love how you combine the craft of writing, which many of us know and love, with the calling to minister via that craft. And how you teach us to do both.
"May the words of my [pen], and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in your sight, oh LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer." Psalm 19.14
This is my favourite Substack right now. I really needed to hear exactly this today. Thanks, Grant.
Praise God, and thank you for your kind words.
Same! I'm so hungry for this wisdom.
Thank you for writing this article. I’m new to writing, and never imagined I would ever want to write, let alone publish anything. But I have felt compelled to write about my story. The topic of my Substack is very heavy, but also personal (some might say too personal), so I found your article very validating.
Such a good reminder for me! This is some of what God has been teaching me as I begin writing on my own Substack, as well as continue with my larger, ongoing writing projects. It's so easy to want to make a big impact, to write something that reaches many people, and forget that God is the only One that can change lives. We must only let Him flow through us. I love the title of this post! "The Joy of Writing From His Presence". This is what is means to be a Christian writer. Thank you for sharing!
This work does indeed flow from His presence. A much needed read. Thank you!
Thank you Grant for bringing this to light. Often we come into the "world of writing" and follow the flow and learn from the authors and teachers of our culture. All the while forgetting we are called to be different. To tackle our lives from a different perspective. I think it is a lesson every Christian who writes needs to face at some point. Your article is a perfect gateway to bring us back to what we are called to do. Reflect our Lord and Savior to the world.
That's it! Thank you for your kind words.
I’ve been contemplating this very thing as I return to blogging. You seemed to have pluck the thoughts from my own head and written more articulately than I would have about what our motivation should be, which is to always point to Christ. I loved and resonated with all of your thoughts. It’s all for His glory and not our own.
WOW! 👏👏👏👏👏👏
You hit the nail on the head with this one🙌
Writing * with * God is so enjoyable! Thanks for ideas for additional ways to enter His Presence before writing. Will keep this article open to reread when I have a bit more time.
Writing out of relationship and what God is doing, it is!
Thank you for this. It really resonates with me. I made a comment on one of your posts a few weeks ago and you encouraged me to start and i finally did. Your words have impact and just proves that what you have written here is true. God bless you and the work of your hands.
Praise God, that is truly a blessing to hear. I look forward to following along your journey!
"When you know who you are in Him, you don't need to maintain an image of having it all together. You're free to be honest about your journey because you're simply an exhibit of His grace." This! What a delightful invitation you've written in this piece. Thank you.
Hi, I love writing about nature, humanity, travel, and life experiences.
Can we connect ?
If you enjoy my content, subscribe, and I’ll do the same.
Let’s support and grow together! 💛
An encouraging insight!
I guess, we need reminding we are in the servitude of the Great Writer. It is humbling and we ought to be humble in our service and understand that, God has given us a gift to serve Him. It is an honorable calling, to serve God and work as partners in the Gospel field.
Praise God and be blessed!