The words that bring life By Claire Musters

I recently went on a weekend retreat with the women from the book study group that I run. During our time together I was really struck by the simple yet profound ways that words provided encouragement and challenge to us all.

Each woman arrived to find a framed picture featuring the one word the person who created them felt God would use to describe her (as well as an accompanying scripture). Alongside other helpful treasures, like chocolate, notebooks and tissues (the essentials ;)), there was also a card for each woman. Contained within it were the verses and other words that the team organising the weekend had felt were specifically for her.

As we went through our time together, we focused on drawing close to Jesus as individuals but also as a group. One of the activities we did was prayerfully write down a short phrase or word for one another on paper that had been cut into petal shapes. Each one of us was then able to create a flower picture out of these petals, which contained powerful words of truth.

In the weeks that have followed the retreat, we have all been in touch much more regularly and have discovered that many of us are facing real difficulties day by day. But whether we are struggling or not, isn’t it true that each one of us is bombarded by negativity and pressure via the press and social media? 

There have been moments when I have felt prompted to hide myself away and read through all the little phrases and words I received over the retreat weekend. As I’ve done so, I’ve felt God whisper to my heart: ‘This is the truth. This is what I think of you. This is who you are.’

It is so important that we take time to slow down in order to read and listen to words that uplift us and bring us life (obviously there is no better place to start than in the Word of God). 

But as Christian writers we also have the absolute privilege of being able to put down on paper words that can bring life to others. While that is a huge responsibility, having seen firsthand again what a difference just a few small words can make to someone’s heart, I want to celebrate that there are so many of us writing truth. May we stand firm in our calling even when it is tough – and take the time to soak in the truth for ourselves daily too.

Claire is a freelance writer, speaker and editor, mum to two gorgeous children, pastor’s wife, worship leader and school governor. Her books include Taking off the mask: daring to be the person God created you to be, Cover to Cover: Ezekiel A prophet for all times, Cover to Cover: 1–3 John Walking in the truth, Cover to Cover: David: A man after God's own heart, Insight Into Managing Conflict, Insight Into Self-acceptance and Insight Into Burnout. She also writes Bible study notes. To find out more about her, please visit www.clairemusters.com and @CMusters on Twitter.