“That I may publish with the voice of
thanksgiving, and tell of all thy wondrous works” (Ps. 26:7, KJV).
“With the voice of thanksgiving.”
I have had six books published, as well as
a few ebooks now out there on the world wide web. Each one has been a thrill
and given me great satisfaction. But each time I’ve been in danger of falling
into a pit.
There is the pit of pride that tells me I’ve
done this great thing and now I’m worthy; the pit of doubt that says it really
isn’t that good and no-one will read it; and then the pit of despair that says
I’ll never be able to do it again.
I have seen these pits gaping before me
each time I’ve held a new book in my hands. They can threaten to drag me in and
bury me in darkness, but I’ve found the life-line that keeps me from falling in
– it’s that little thing called thankfulness.
The writer of the book of Hebrews said: “Therefore,
since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and
so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe. (Hebrews 12:28).
The Greek word used for thankful in this
verse is charis, grace. Thanksgiving – gratitude – grace. One leads to the
other and all lead to an outpouring that will bless, lift up and encourage
others. That’s the pattern of life God has ordained for us all in this world, in
His kingdom.
Holding a new book in your hands kind of
makes you feel like you’ve just been handed a kingdom – the kingdom of imagination,
the kingdom of an audience of readers, the kingdom of purpose and fulfillment. Without
thankfulness that feeling would be fleeting. We would indeed be tempted to pride,
to self doubt and to despair, because without thankfulness, without recognizing
where this gift has come from, we realize in the depths of our soul that it is
all just a mirage. Without recognizing the plan and purposes of God in and for
our work, there can be no true substance to it.
There would be no charis.
So let us publish with the voice of
thanksgiving, pouring out grace. And “Let the message of Christ dwell among you
richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms,
hymns and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts”
(Colossians 3:16).
****
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 first novel, One Smooth Stone. The sequel, A Tumbled Stone was short listed in 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.
Abundant Rain, an ebook devotional for writers can
be downloaded here.
To learn more about her writing and speaking ministry visit Marcia’s Website
Thank you so much for this posting. I am trying to pastor a congregation and write It is easy to become discouraged and your message helped me today
ReplyDeleteTedd, I'm adding you to my prayer list, as I so believe in pastors who write. May the Lord encourage you, too. Keep reading Novel Rocket, as many of our columnists write to help other writers. God bless you and your ministries
DeleteSo pleased that it was a help to you, Tedd. Are you familiar with Mark Buchanan? Until recently he was a writing pastor. He now teaches at a Bible College. Look him up. I'm sure his work would be a blessing to you. :)M
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ReplyDeleteThanks for the kind comment. :)
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