"For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them." Ephesians 2:10
That doesn't necessarily mean I was born to be a famous, well known author (but it could!), what it means is that I was created to speak and write the words God has placed on my heart, for His purpose and His plan. Whether that's on my blog, in a published novel, or simply on the pages of my children's journals, I'm called to use words to express who God is and who He created me to be. The full expression of His creation.
As I've stepped out and started writing more publicly, I've had this overwhelming sense of fulfillment. I feel that my words are an offering of worship to my Lord; the kind of worship that I was created to offer. I believe He's pleased with what I'm doing, and I'm basking in His pleasure. It's one of the most amazing experiences of my life, next to marrying my husband and giving birth to my children. There's nothing better in this life than to do the work God has called you to do.
In church today we sang this song and tears came to my eyes. It expresses my heart exactly.
I love you, Lord, and I lift my voice
To worship you, Oh my soul rejoice!
Take joy, my King, in what you hear
May it be a sweet, sweet sound in your ear
May my voice, and the words I write, be a sweet, sweet sound in His ear.
What about you? What dream is on your heart? What do you do that is an act of worship to the Lord? Do you feel His pleasure?
Lovely, Gabrielle. I think you nailed it with this one. The song is such a tender offering, isn't it? I'm with you all the way - couldn't have said it better myself.
ReplyDeleteHugs from one dreamer to another!
Becky
Beautiful, Gabrielle. I love offering up words to God. Thinking of them as a sacrifice to him takes the pressure off to "succeed" in a way the world might view writing.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for the post!
I get it. I so get it--writing as an act of worship.
ReplyDeleteAmen!
~ Wendy
Becky - good morning and here's a hug for you! Thank you for your encouraging words.
ReplyDeleteHeidi - I love viewing my words as a sacrifice of praise, it does take the pressure off in so many ways.
Wendy - I'm so thankful I have a community of writing friends who "get it" with me! :)
Love, love, love. Love that song too. So worshipful. I'm a singer and a writer, so I try to do both of those as acts of worship to Him.
ReplyDeleteIt's funny--I was just praying the other day that God would remind me of the reasons I write. That it's not only about entertaining readers or seeing my name on a book cover or even telling a great story...but it's about Him, about bringing Him glory and about telling stories that tell His story. I want God to constantly remind me He's the point...
ReplyDeleteI couldn't agree with you more. Mine is not only writing about Him through Bible studies, but also conveying those truths through teaching. I love your heart to do exactly what God has called you to do. C.S. Lewis once wrote, “In the process of being worshipped, God communicates His presence to men.” As you worship the Lord through writing, you are most definitely communicating God's amazing presence to those you touch.
ReplyDeleteLindsay - I wish I was a singer, but, alas, I've accepted that no matter what I sound like, my voice is pleasing to His ears! I LOVE to sing, but I do best when I blend with others in the congregation or a choir. :)
ReplyDeleteMelissa - Yes! Words are such a powerful tool. I love how you put it, telling stories that tell HIS story. I ask Him to remind me of this, too.
Donna - I love this quote by C.S. Lewis, it expresses what I was struggling to express in this post. As I'm worshipping God with my words, I feel His presence in a more powerful way than I've ever felt before. Thank you for sharing it, and thank you for sharing your heart, too.
Tears flow every time we sing this song in church.I want so much to worship Him through my words and your post was a beautiful reminder of who we write for!Well done!!!
ReplyDeleteI love that writing desk for one. And I love this post. I love that song. It's been years since I've heard it in church, but sometimes in my own private worship, I sing it. :) Such a beautiful post!
ReplyDeleteAva - I love this song and I love that He used it to remind me that my words are an offering to Him. He's amazing. :)
ReplyDeleteJessica - I hadn't heard it in years, either, and so I was thrilled when the worship team started to sing it. Thank you for your kind words! The writing desk is awesome and I can't wait until I can put it in my writing room (which is a three season porch right now). Until then, I look at it and dream...
I love your messages that you conveyed in this post. We have to fulfill our dreams to the best of our abilty. Let God journey this with you. Every one has a purpose and we have to be called on it by God. Once we are called, we can shoot for the stars.
ReplyDeleteSince being uprooted from Texas, i feel I'm worshipping God and pleasing Him when i clean and cook for my grandmother, put my husband and son first, and fight for my quiet time, lol! Not sure where I'm at in His will with my writing, but i keep writing :-) Great post, Gabrielle!
ReplyDeleteLivia - thank you for stopping by to say hello. I agree, the best way to journey through life is when God is with you.
ReplyDeleteGwen - I'm so happy that you keep writing! You are serving God and He's pleased with your offering.