Get Rid of Stinkin’ Thinkin’ in Your Writing

 

By Lori Hatcher

 

 

Sometimes, we as writers are our own worst enemies.

The voices inside our head say things like:

You can’t write anything that hasn’t already been written.

No one wants to read your writing. 

You’re the worst writer ever.

We allow our thoughts to defeat us, derail our writing, and deprive our readers of life-changing words.

Should we listen to them?

How can we process our thoughts biblically?

God’s Word tells us: We filter our thoughts through the grid of Philippians 4:8:

“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things” (Philippians 4:8).

The first test, is it true, rules out the three stinkin’ thoughts I shared above. Let me show you how to apply the first phrase of Philippians 4:8, “whatever is true,” to these thoughts:

Thought #1: You can’t write anything that hasn’t already been written.

Truth: You can write something that’s never been written, because you are unique. Your life experiences, education, and spiritual journey are different from anyone else’s. This means what you write will also be different from anyone else’s.

Thought #2: No one wants to read your writing.

Truth: People do want to read your writing. Your words are a gift from God to share with others. He wouldn’t have given them to you if He didn’t have a purpose for them. God wastes nothing, and He will lead you to the audience that needs your words—a following of thousands or the lady sitting next to you in church.

Thought #3: You’re the worst writer ever.

Truth: You’re not the worst writer ever. This distinction belongs to someone, somewhere, but not you. Can you learn and improve? Absolutely, and you should do everything you can to improve your craft, but you’re not the worst writer.

When we process our thoughts through the lens of Scripture, we think more accurately. When we think more accurately, we’re less likely to defeat our writing before it ever makes it out into the world.

The next time you hear thoughts churning in your head, pull out Philippians 4:8 and ask yourself, Is what I’m thinking true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent or praiseworthy? If it is, think about such things. If not, replace your stinkin’ thinkin’ with Philippians 4:8 thinking.

Then watch what God does in and through your writing.

 

 Photo by Helena Lopes on Unsplash

 

Lori Hatcher is a women’s ministry speaker, writing instructor, and author of six devotional books with Our Daily Bread Publishing. Her latest story-driven devotional, Think on These Things: 60 Thoughtful Devotions for Renewed Peace, will help you lift your eyes from your problems to the incomparable power and love of God. Connect with her at LoriHatcher.com.

 

About Think on These Things: 60 Thoughtful Devotions for Renewed Peace

 

In this 60-day devotional, Lori Hatcher provides you with powerful promises from the Bible that teach you how to shift your gaze from your problems to the incomparable power and love of God.  Each day, reset your mind by meditating on what’s true, right, pure, and praiseworthy, and lean on God in the midst of the messy and mundane. Discover how to have joy, hope, strength, and deep-rooted peace when you focus on Jesus, no matter what’s happening around you.