I look forward to your posts, Grant. This one had me smiling because I wrote this line in a poem called "The Happy Octopus," and when awake at night I would repeat the line and almost giggle at how fun it sounded. I was surrendered, and it was delightful. Here's the line, "Like Russian dolls all lining up in their descending size, the suckers of my tentacles flow down my slippery sides." You have to wonder, didn't God thoroughly enjoy creating octopi?
So good man. I often forget how much my Father loves me and loves seeing me dive into things he created me to enjoy. Just like I love watching my oldest perform on stage for theater. Why would my Father not enjoy watching me pursue a desire he put there in the first place?
I’ve never read Psalm 37:4 like that before! Thank you for a very helpful post - I think Christians are often (rightly) warned off being selfish, and writing is so much fun and there’s no guarantee it will help others (no-one may ever read it) so it can feel selfish to spend all those hours alone at the table… but oh it’s so fun… therefore it must be selfish. Your article helps show the other possibility. Freedom and joy are ours in Christ!
This was really helpful, thank you. The topic reminds me of the similar tendency to assume that if I’m enjoying it too much, it must not be of the Lord. Thanks for the much needed reminder to delight in how God gifted us!
I tell myself, if it’s too much fun, then it’s surely from God!
I have been into different professions like Copywriting, SMM, Teaching Copywriting, Newsletter writing, Children’s book writing, producing YouTube videos ….I experienced fun/peace in all these.
So my definition of work was doing things that bring me joy, wealth & people value.
Wow did I need this today. I stopped writing this week because of a huge motive check. I have felt that way throughout starting my Substack, am I doing this for God or do I just want people to think I am smart and a good writer? I think I will keep writing, trust that God is bigger than my own ambition and ask him to guide me as I write. Thank you for this!
Great stuff, Grant. Most often when I pray about what to write, God cuts through like you said and keeps it simple. Usually some version of “Just find great stories and tell them well.”
"We're standing in the field, already home, asking permission to enjoy what's already ours.
What if God delights in your delight in writing?
What if He smiles when you craft that perfect sentence?
What if your joy in creating echoes His joy in creation?" - Grant Herbel (Write Freely: The Gift of Spiritual Surrender)
This is such a wonderful point! I feel like as writers and deep spiritual thinkers we forget that God is also joy incarnate, and that because of His goodness what he wants to offer us is exactly that(His joy). I'm working on my debut novel this morning and this was exactly what I needed to hear before getting to work! Praise God for His timing, and thank you Grant for your words!
“Lord, I’m yours lead me.” I love the simplicity of that prayer and moving forward. I will be using it. Thank you so much for this article it was needed. 🔒✝️
Thank you for these posts that have been instrumental to encouraging me to write. I often tend to check out my heart to make sure my motives are right, and often get discouraged. But like you said, I should continue to write. ✍️
I forgot to add I published my first post last night due to your prompt. Holy Spirit was already working on me and used you for the extra encouragement. Thank you again 🌷
Thank you! I've been slowly moving in this direction and by your prompt, I felt the push to just start even though I don't know about all the ins and out of Substack yet. I love your publication. Blessings and favor 🌷
I look forward to your posts, Grant. This one had me smiling because I wrote this line in a poem called "The Happy Octopus," and when awake at night I would repeat the line and almost giggle at how fun it sounded. I was surrendered, and it was delightful. Here's the line, "Like Russian dolls all lining up in their descending size, the suckers of my tentacles flow down my slippery sides." You have to wonder, didn't God thoroughly enjoy creating octopi?
So good man. I often forget how much my Father loves me and loves seeing me dive into things he created me to enjoy. Just like I love watching my oldest perform on stage for theater. Why would my Father not enjoy watching me pursue a desire he put there in the first place?
Amen!
I’ve never read Psalm 37:4 like that before! Thank you for a very helpful post - I think Christians are often (rightly) warned off being selfish, and writing is so much fun and there’s no guarantee it will help others (no-one may ever read it) so it can feel selfish to spend all those hours alone at the table… but oh it’s so fun… therefore it must be selfish. Your article helps show the other possibility. Freedom and joy are ours in Christ!
This was really helpful, thank you. The topic reminds me of the similar tendency to assume that if I’m enjoying it too much, it must not be of the Lord. Thanks for the much needed reminder to delight in how God gifted us!
I tell myself, if it’s too much fun, then it’s surely from God!
I have been into different professions like Copywriting, SMM, Teaching Copywriting, Newsletter writing, Children’s book writing, producing YouTube videos ….I experienced fun/peace in all these.
So my definition of work was doing things that bring me joy, wealth & people value.
Wow did I need this today. I stopped writing this week because of a huge motive check. I have felt that way throughout starting my Substack, am I doing this for God or do I just want people to think I am smart and a good writer? I think I will keep writing, trust that God is bigger than my own ambition and ask him to guide me as I write. Thank you for this!
Great stuff, Grant. Most often when I pray about what to write, God cuts through like you said and keeps it simple. Usually some version of “Just find great stories and tell them well.”
Thank you for the encouragement.
Just launched today. Would appreciate anyone’s read!
https://substack.com/@bradenleebenton/note/p-164646669?r=5k9p0g&utm_medium=ios&utm_source=notes-share-action
✝️
Hey Branden, congrats!
I’m fairly new too! Just 17 readers.
I subscribed to support you. Knowing a single person reads is more motivating that knowing your speaking into a void.
So true. We need to write and trust God with the rest of it.
start Patty!
"We're standing in the field, already home, asking permission to enjoy what's already ours.
What if God delights in your delight in writing?
What if He smiles when you craft that perfect sentence?
What if your joy in creating echoes His joy in creation?" - Grant Herbel (Write Freely: The Gift of Spiritual Surrender)
This is such a wonderful point! I feel like as writers and deep spiritual thinkers we forget that God is also joy incarnate, and that because of His goodness what he wants to offer us is exactly that(His joy). I'm working on my debut novel this morning and this was exactly what I needed to hear before getting to work! Praise God for His timing, and thank you Grant for your words!
thanks for this one
“Lord, I’m yours lead me.” I love the simplicity of that prayer and moving forward. I will be using it. Thank you so much for this article it was needed. 🔒✝️
Thank you for these posts that have been instrumental to encouraging me to write. I often tend to check out my heart to make sure my motives are right, and often get discouraged. But like you said, I should continue to write. ✍️
This is great, thank you! It is convicting and I think also easily applies to other gifting and callings like podcasting and videos.
What a freeing truth you communicated in this article. Thank you for being His instrument and sharing this rhema with God's people and myself.
I forgot to add I published my first post last night due to your prompt. Holy Spirit was already working on me and used you for the extra encouragement. Thank you again 🌷
Thank you! I've been slowly moving in this direction and by your prompt, I felt the push to just start even though I don't know about all the ins and out of Substack yet. I love your publication. Blessings and favor 🌷