For over a dozen years, I have called the thoughts that I feel compelled to spill out to the world writing from the heart. 

I am not a fluid talker, as I am an introvert. I love people, but my energy does not come from lengthy conversations. My gig is writing. In that, I feel the urge to endlessly pour out my soul. The drive to share and write, however, goes deeper than what I feel or think, as God is the one that spoke to my heart and told me to write. There is no saying no to him.

As I thumb through stacks of dusty paper, notes that I’ve tucked away for eons, some barely make sense to me today. This particular piece draws me in. It includes brief thoughts and scripture that encourage this writing endeavor of mine (and I hope it lifts you up and encourages you as well).

“My notes” are exactly what I had written on the paper, followed by the scripture. My “observation” is what I believe the verse(s) teach us, and how it speaks into our lives (and my life as a writer) today.

My notes: Write words in your heart, Proverbs 3:3 (NIV for all translations in this post)

Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them in the tablet of your heart.

Observation: This speaks of our attitude. We must always be cloaked with love and faithfulness. Bind (cohere in a single mass) this attitude around our neck, and write it into the tablet of our hearts (write it into an internal permanent tablet so it never fades away).

Share what you have written in the tablet of your heart with others—speak and write with love and dedication to God.

My notes: Songs, Ephesians 5:18-19

Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit.

Observation: God tells us to be under the influence of the Holy Spirit, which leads us to (praise) sing and speak in psalms and hymns. By doing so, we bring joy to others as we share our thankfulness. We encourage others when we share our spirit-filled words.

My notes: Armor, put on the full armor, Ephesians 6:10-11

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.

Observation: The devil is the prince of the power of the air. We cannot stop the devil in his schemes, as he has been given full territory on this Earth. There will come a day when the devil will lose his footing…the day is fast approaching when Jesus returns, but, until then, we must wear our full armor of God. Wrap up tightly in his protection to stand firm against the dark world that we cannot see.

As a writer, and for all of us, I believe the evil one feels joy as he whispers lies in our ears. He adores seeing us go off track when we believe in his words”You aren’t good enough, ” or, “What gives you the right or say or write that?!” (and more…). Satan’s onslaught is constant, but when we are armored up, his lies cannot penetrate us. We possess the freedom to use our voices as tools to help others when our faith and shields are in place!

My notes: Complaints, Philippians 1:14

And because of my chains, most of the brothers and sisters have become confident in the Lord and dare all the more to proclaim the gospel without fear.

Observation: We are only human, so many of us might complain if we were physically bound in chains and unable to go about our daily lives. Paul set an impressive example. He was in chains, which added to his desire to share the good news with the world. He found ways to communicate, share the gospel, and encourage the world despite his disadvantages.

We can all ignore or break the chains that may bind us. The world is a tough place to live in, but as Paul did in prison, be encouraged that you can still reach people. You have been given the power to do so!

My notes: Wonders and miraculous things, Psalm 9:1

I will give thanks to you, Lord, with all my heart, I will tell of all your wonderful deeds. I will be glad and rejoice in you; I will sing the praises of your name, O Most High. 

Observation: I believe this verse is a reminder, as well as a statement of dedication for us to always give thanks to the Lord. Give him thanks through attitude, and through our words. Sing it out to the world!

Why did I link “wonders and miraculous things” to this verse? This was a tough one for me to understand, but I believe I am referring to telling the world about God’s “wonderful deeds.” How he has uniquely (including wonders and miracles) shown up in our life. What we have seen him do. As someone once said to me, “Mary, it is all there. You just have to have your eyes open.” The more we are with him, the more we see that he is with us, and the more we see him at work in the world.

Are you a writer that struggles with our culture pushing back on your faith pieces or words? What keeps you moving forward? What do you do to “armor up”?