by Marcia Lee Laycock
I dashed off a piece of writing a while ago. I had a
deadline to meet and several other things on my plate that were pressing. This
was something I’d said I’d do but it wasn’t crucial ... just an obligation I
wanted to fulfill. So I just sat down and wrote. Didn’t think about it much,
just let the words flow onto the computer screen, made sure the spelling and
grammar were correct and then sent it off to be launched into the world wide
web of words that pour out of so many of us each day.
Then the responses started flowing in – comments
like “how did you know I was struggling?” or “I’m going to post this near my
desk so I can read it every day,” or “thank you for letting God speak to you so
that He could speak to me.”
Really? Those mere words that flowed out so easily
had impact? Those words that were tossed out into the world without much care
or caution or revision were exactly the words that were needed? Hmm... maybe I
should do that more often.
Or maybe not. Maybe I should take more care, knowing
the words will be read, will have impact, will live in a person’s life and make
a difference. Maybe I should take more time with those words, even when they
come easily, even when they seem almost insignificant to me. They are not
insignificant to others, or to God.
Words are sacred. Words shape us and shape our
world. Words open portals into the spiritual realm and into the deeper
realities of our earthly lives. Words live.
The book of proverbs talks about the power of words,
cautioning us to be wise in how we use them:
The words of the wicked lie in wait for blood, but
the speech of the upright rescues them (Prov. 12:6).
The words of the restless pierce like swords, but
the tongue of the wise brings healing (Prov 12:18)
The Lord detests the thoughts of the wicked, but
gracious words are pure in his sight (Prov. 15:26).
The wise in heart are called discerning, and
gracious words promote instruction (Prov. 16:21).
Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul
and healing to the bones (Prov.16:24).
The one who has knowledge uses words with restraint
(Prov. 17:27).
The words of the mouth are deep waters (Prov. 18:4).
Yes, words are important. They deserve our time and
attention. As writers of faith, it’s what we do.
Let my teaching fall like rain and my words descend like dew, like showers on new grass, like abundant rain on tender plants. Deuternomy 32:2
****
Marcia Lee Laycock writes from central Alberta
Canada where she is a pastor's wife and mother of three adult daughters. She
was the winner of The Best New Canadian Christian Author Award for her novel,
One Smooth Stone. Her second novel, A Tumbled Stone was recently short listed
in the contemporary fiction category of The Word Awards. Marcia also has two
devotional books in print. Her work has been endorsed by Sigmund Brouwer,
Janette Oke, Phil Callaway and Mark Buchanan.
Visit Marcia’s Website
| Abundant Rain, an ebook devotional for writers can be purchased here. | |||
Truth, Marcia, but sometimes the Lord allows us a fraction of his anointing without our "interference" or preparation. Sometimes we get to write His words without us.
ReplyDeleteAmazing how the Holy Spirit uses our efforts, be they dashed off or deeply contemplated, to bless others. Sometimes more in spite of us than because of us. Thanks for the reminder to do my best every time.
ReplyDeleteGreat conclusion! The same is true of speech -- although Jesus promised He would give His disciples the words at the critical moment, we're also told to "study to show ourselves approved." Thanks for this.
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