What keeps you flourishing as a writer?
Here at Orchard Scribe, we are growing writers who grow readers, and nothing accelerates that growth more than reading and relying upon God’s Word. Within its pages, we find the words of life that create deep roots and produce lasting fruit. When our work is rooted in the truth of the Scriptures, we can be assured it will accomplish what we send it out to do.
Keep that in mind as you read the following six Bible passages for Christian writers and answer the accompanying questions to help you pray and process. Memorize them, meditate on them, and let their truth influence every sentence, page, and publication you share as you serve your readers.
Bible Verses for the Christian Writer as You Prepare to Write
Before Getting Started
“Listen, O heavens, and I will speak! Hear, O earth, the words that I say! Let my teaching fall on you like rain; let my speech settle like dew. Let my words fall like rain on tender grass, like gentle showers on young plants. I will proclaim the name of the Lord; how glorious is our God!” Deuteronomy 32:1-3 NLT
Meditate on this (especially verse two) as you consider the delivery of your words and the impact you desire them to have on your readers. Don’t just write—write with purpose that seeps through your content to your reader’s heart. Begin praying this passage as you begin each new project. How might that prayer make a difference in your ministry to your audience?
As You Search for Ideas
“I am praying to the Maker of Life, who, by his great power working in us, can do far more than what we ask for, more than our small minds can imagine.” Ephesians 3:20 FNVNT
What is your go-to method for coming up with topics to write about? If it doesn’t involve praying to the Maker of Life, who can do more than our small minds can imagine, you’re missing out. Our God, who is infinitely creative, gave you this skill and knows exactly what your audience needs and when they need it. He is the source of creativity and an infinite source of creative ideas, making Him the best first step of your creative process. Cultivate a habit of starting with Him before putting pen to paper. And, when you do, be open to hearing and obeying, knowing He just might lead you outside your comfort zone or area of expertise (that’s how I ended up writing books to help parents navigate difficult seasons. I never saw that coming!). What impact will that have on your writing practice?
Bible Verses for the Christian Writer Growing an Audience
As You Look for Your Audience
“The Lord says, ‘I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you. Do not be like a senseless horse or mule that needs a bit and bridle to keep it under control.’” Psalm 32:8-9
Remember that access you have to an infinite source of creative ideas? You have that same access to divine guidance to find your audience. Recall God’s track record of giving a specific message to a leader, prophet, or teacher along with clear instructions on who to share it with and where to find them. He can do the same for you as you seek Him for your audience, your people, your tribe. And, don’t push back against seasons of anonymity. He’ll use them to develop you if you choose to lean in. How can this understanding shift your approach to building a platform or finding your audience?
As You Pray Over Your Audience
“I have not stopped thanking God for you. I pray for you constantly, asking God, the glorious Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, to give you spiritual wisdom and insight so that you might grow in your knowledge of God.” Ephesians 1:16-17 NLT
Once you have an audience of any size, develop a daily practice of praying for them. And, as you pray, focus entirely on their needs and not your own. Think less about what you want from them and more about what you want for them as they engage with your content. This acknowledges the Lord’s involvement in the process as you minister to the people He has called you to impact. How can this practice shape your interactions with your readers?
Bible Verses to Encourage the Christian Writer
When You’re Discouraged as a Writer
“But in my distress I cried out to the Lord; yes, I cried to my God for help. He heard me from his sanctuary; my cry reached his ears. He reached down from heaven and rescued me; he drew me out of deep waters.” 2 Samuel 22:7, 17 NLT
Friend, your work matters. Your words matter. Your emotions about your work matter. So, do the work, write the words, and feel all the feelings that accompany being a writer with the courage to put your work out into the world. And when those feelings include discouragement, know that your cries to the Lord matter, too. He called you to this work and gave you the words. Let Him guide you through all that comes with that gift. He hears you, and He is willing to help. How might these assurances impact your current work as a writer?
Quick sidenote: This passage also appears in Psalm 18. It’s a nice little nod to an author repurposing content.
When You Need Help to Keep Going
So we tell others about Christ, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all the wisdom God has given us. We want to present them to God, perfect in their relationship to Christ. That’s why I work and struggle so hard, depending on Christ’s mighty power that works within me. Colossians 1:28-29 NLT
Being a writer comes with more than its fair share of ups and downs. There are days when it seems worth it and days when you feel like giving up. As you navigate the tension between grief and gratitude, you need to rely on the Word to help you keep going. In the moments you feel like giving up, remember why you’re working so hard and the power at work within you. It’s the only real way to keep going. How can remembering this impact you when you feel like giving up?
Writer friend, I hope these verses prove helpful as you grow as a writer who intentionally grows readers. Devotion to God’s Word is a sure foundation for your work as a Christian communicator. If you lack this devotion or need a little extra boost, grab my 7-day devotional to help deepen your passion for the Word. I’m on the other side of the screen, praying for you and cheering you on.
If this post was helpful, check out all the ways we’re supporting writers and let us know how we can help.
