Writing From a Place of Rest
Rest.
As a writer, this word isn’t in our vocabulary.
We live in a fast-paced world where busyness reigns, and we are constantly on the go. It is challenging to find the rest and stillness that is necessary for effective writing. But here is something I’ve learned: We are Christ-followers first and writers second. As Christians, we are called to find rest in God.
A wonderful example of someone who rests is our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. During His earthly ministry, Jesus rested. One of my favorite Bible verses is about the woman at the well in Samaria. Not only is this the longest-recorded conversation Jesus had with a woman, but she’s the one to whom He revealed that He was the long-awaited Messiah!
Tucked into this beautiful passage is something else that is often overlooked.
“… so Jesus, wearied as he was from his journey, was sitting beside the well. It was about the sixth hour” (John 4:6, ESV).
By this time in His ministry, Jesus was preaching, teaching, healing and traveling, and He was just plum exhausted! He needed rest, and He did that by sitting beside the well.
And let’s not forget the time Jesus slept through the raging storm (Matthew 8:23-24).
If Jesus found the time to rest, we can too! Here are some tips to help you find rest before writing:
- Rest in the presence of God: The Bible repeatedly emphasizes the importance of finding rest in God’s presence. Psalm 46:10 reminds us to “be still, and know that I am God” (ESV). Draw close to God in stillness, and watch how He works in you and your writing.
- Pray for guidance before you begin writing: Ask the Lord to go before you with the words to write and to direct you in your thoughts and creativity.
- Create a peaceful writing environment: Whether in a comfortable chair or at a coffee shop (where I am writing now), find a place where you won’t be disturbed and let your words flow.
- Read your Bible for inspiration: Reading and meditating on Bible verses from the Psalms and Proverbs can help spark creativity.
- Practice the Sabbath: God created the Sabbath as a day for rest and worship. Take some time away from your computer, and enjoy life outside of writing. Read your favorite book, watch a movie or take a nap.
Remember, as Christ-followers, we can seek rest and inspiration in God. When we have rest, we create a way for Him to go before us with the words to write. Our words can become a beautiful expression of our faith in Jesus.
Blessings,
Missy
Which of these steps will you take today to seek rest? Share your choice in the comments.
Missy Eversole
Missy Eversole is a writer from Morton, Illinois. She is wife to Craig and mom to Grant and Connor. She enjoys family time and the laughter that comes with it. Missy is a contributing blog writer for Proverbs 31 Ministries’ Online Bible Studies, as well as Kingdom Edge Magazine, and is author of Transformed, Not Conformed: Embracing a Life-Changing Approach to Spiritual Habits. She writes about faith and family weekly on her blog at www.missyeversole.com.
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I’m learning to pray and ask God for guidance before I write. I have recently found direction for my fictional pieces through studying and spending time in God’s Word and it amazes me every time. I still need to work on resting on the Sabbath – how ironic that I need to work on that. Haha. Thank you for this encouraging and important blog on finding rest before writing.
Many years ago, I took God at His command and started keeping the Sabbath. I no longer use the Sabbath to shop, clean and catch up on my to-do list. What doesn’t get done by Saturday supper waits till after Sunday supper. And guess what! My house is no dirtier and my cupboards no emptier. I am more rested, physically and spiritually.
I want to re-establish a pattern of spending time with God in “Solitude and Silence” (the title of a wonderful book by Ruth Haley Barton). Since before the Advent season, I’ve not taken time as frequently for this important habit. Thank you for the little push, Missy!
Thank you for this timely reminder. I am spending some time in God’s presence, seeking His guidance.
Thank you so much, Missy, for the reminder. This is my third time reading about rest within the last few weeks, so I am “sitting and taking notice”! As a home-school mom and aspiring writer, I need to hear this.
I recently took a “sick day” which I have not done in years. Now I am thinking about more ways to make Sundays truly a Sabbath day.
Thank you for your words Missy. Step 1 resonates really with me, rest in His presence. Finding true rest means I can fully trust God, even with the writing process.