Between the Lines: The Real Reason I Write

I just returned home from a week’s vacation in the Muskokas. It involved some peaceful days of reading, walking, and resting (and eating a bit too much!), all amid the beautiful landscape of rolling hills, quiet woodlands, and shimmering lakes. It also included some reflection and prayer before another busy ministry season begins. In many ways, September is a “second new year” because it offers a reset to our schedules and routines. As I spent time thinking about what I want my priorities to be over these next few months, one question I asked myself was this.

Why do I write?

Throughout history, the measuring rod for truth has shifted from the ancient Scriptures to an individual’s own ideas of what truth should be. Modern culture says, “If I think it or feel it, then it must be true.” However, how often do my thoughts deceive me? How often do my emotions blur my view of reality? How often do I allow my circumstances to control me?

The older I get, the more I realize that life is a mix of beauty and pain. Among the many good gifts that God graciously gives, there are also the struggles that can bring frustration, even fearfulness. Whether it be illness, aging, broken relationships, financial pressures, grief, loss, or an uncertain future, what I am learning is that struggles may also be God’s good gifts. They deepen our faith and grow us in spiritual maturity when we draw closer to the Lord in dependence and trust.

Why do I write? I write to remind myself of who God is and the promises He gives in the good and hard, the beauty and the pain.

The Psalmist writes, How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth! Through your precepts I get understanding; therefore, I hate every false way. (Psalm 119:103,104)

These verses remind us that the words of Scripture are not merely instructions or rules to follow. Scripture is vital to our daily survival because it feeds our souls and protects us from the lies of this world. The cultural narrative tells us to “find your truth” and “follow your heart.” Yet a profound love for God’s Word keeps our hearts and minds focused on eternal truth. Whether reading the Bible, memorizing scripture, journaling our prayers, or writing a blog, reciting the truth of God’s Word, over and over, is what helps us to faithfully endure with joy.

What we believe about God directly impacts what we believe about everything else. Even amidst our struggles, we can let God write our stories if we hold fast to His goodness, rely on His strength, and rest in His love. Discouragement and defeat cannot get a foothold when God remains the focus of our hope.

Keep in mind that it is not enough that we should just read the Word. The object is that the words that are printed on the page would become indelibly written on our hearts. God never intended that we should merely get into His Word. His intent is that the Word should get into us. Nancy Leigh DeMoss

So, welcome September. Welcome fresh starts, new routines, and busy days. Welcome falling leaves, cooler breezes and early nights.

In all of it, may we speak everlasting truth to our hearts because of the sweet, everlasting Word of God.

Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight,
    O Lord, my rock and my redeemer. Psalm 19:14