8 Ways to Affirmation: A Writer’s Inspiration Menu
by Dr. Katherine Hutchinson-Hayes
“He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus”
(Philippians 1:6 NIV).
Sometimes God’s words of affirmation slip from my memory when I face rejection letters, missed deadlines, or writer’s block. When I’m alone, I reach out to God through the Bible and prayer. I appreciate encouragers who uplift me and others with godly words when I struggle.
We can all do that. Max Lucado’s book, “How Happiness Happens,” showed me that one negative comment requires six positive ones to counteract the blow. We write for the same team—God’s—so we need his words to combat the negatives in and around us.
Specific practices help me combat negativity and affirm my writing gifts.
Think sweet thoughts. When I think God’s sweet thoughts, I counter spiritual decay. I’ve learned that stinking thinking damages my words, actions, and writing. I must daily enter the mind’s battlefield claiming God’s promises as a Word cheerleader rather than tearing myself down.
Season with wisdom. I bring every writing project to God for wisdom and discernment. Prayer brings me insights. The Lord reminds me the battle has already been won. When challenges come, I ask God to fight for me.
Chew on truth. I can’t skip Bible reading. The Word strengthens me with a comprehensive understanding of my faith. God’s promises and instruction nourish my spirit like a good diet nourishes my body. So I read his word as often as possible and apply its truths.
Drink in devotions. The practice of morning and evening devotions gets me on track for the day and speaks into my heart while I sleep. Applying the Bible all day protects a restless mind from faulty preoccupations.
Snack on God’s Word. Throughout the day, I meditate on scripture. These thoughts offer a constant stream of good, stopping negative thoughts and emotions.
Hunger for relationship. I talk to God daily and often. I share my burdens, dreams, and celebrations with God like I would with an intimate friend.
Build an appetite for humility. Choosing humility over pride can guard against temptation. Pride cost Lucifer everything. If pride is the food of darkness, humility is the food of light.
Crave a calm mind. Set aside technology to be quiet and listen to God. To affect a chaotic world, I cultivate God’s peace which the world can’t provide.
Dear God, thank you for my unique writing voice. Keep me focused, knowing you began a good work in me and will carry it on to completion. Amen.
Katherine is a counselor, consultant, author, and owns an event-planning business. Her art and writing are distinguished by awards including the New York Mayor’s Contribution to the Arts, Outstanding Resident Artist of Arizona, and Foundations Awards at the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writer’s Conference. Katherine loves speaking to groups, delivering messages with quick wit and real-life stories. Connect at https://godslittleblackdress.com/ or https://www.amazon.com/Gods-Little-Black-Dress-Women/dp/1365056163