Inside: Listening when God says stop, examining our motives before we post and moving forward without a detailed plan. ~
Has God ever spoken to you directly? Not in an audible voice, but in a way that you knew it was Him?
I can’t say with 100 percent certainty that this has happened to me, but I think it has.
I’ve been pondering this because right now I’d really love a direct message from God about what I’m supposed to do next. I hear a little voice in my mind that sounds good, but then I think, maybe that’s just me.
When It’s Not Just Me
I go back to those few times when it seemed as if God spoke, and I notice a few commonalities. I remember where I was. And each time, it was a sense that I was supposed to not do something or stop doing something.
Don’t write about that.
Don’t say that.
Stop that.
Never a step-by-step plan of how to proceed, or even a single next step.
Here’s an Example
Earlier this year, I was tossing clothes in the dryer and thinking about daughter Molly’s upcoming high school graduation. As I often do, I started writing in my head—about how sparse my resume is because I’ve mostly “just” been a stay-at-home mom all these years, and whether I made a mistake by not doing more professionally during that time.
I hadn’t gotten very far with this train of thought when I heard the still, small Voice—loud and clear over the laundry room noise. You’re not going to write that.
(By the way, this happened right after I had Covid, when the illness and accompanying inability to exercise had plunged me into an uncharacteristic mental funk.)
I Heeded the Message
I knew my thoughts were coming from a place of insecurity, so they needed to be filtered through the lens of truth and reality before they could ever be turned into words on a page (or a screen).
You see, over the years I’ve learned how important it is to pay attention to the motivation behind my writing. When an idea flows from a desire for validation or affirmation, for example, I need to proceed with caution, if at all.
On the other hand, if I simply wish to encourage others—even when I need the same words of encouragement myself—I’m usually OK to keep going.
Stop That!
A “stop-doing-that” divine directive came early in my blogging days, when I was slightly obsessed with pageviews, subscribers and comments. (Perhaps you’ve already guessed that this, too, was largely driven by an unhealthy need for affirmation.)
I had just gotten out of the shower one morning when this message filtered through my mind and heart: Quit looking at the stats.
Once again, I listened. Except for a period last fall when I took a blogging class that proved not to be very helpful, I’ve mostly stayed away from the stats page.
Checking Our Hearts
I’m not suggesting other bloggers follow my example in this, especially if they want to grow their audience. But I would encourage all of us who post anywhere—Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Substack, etc.—to examine our motivations before we ever share a single word.
Are we trying scratch an itch that should really be soothed by a friend, loved one or perhaps even the Holy Spirit? If so, it might be better to hold off on the post for a while, or forever.
Over time, my need for external validation has lessened as I’ve grown more comfortable and confident in God’s design and ways of working in my life. Which brings me back to my original conundrum: When is He going to tell me what to do next?
Maybe you’re asking a similar question. Based on past experience, I only have one answer for both of us.
Stop worrying about what’s next and focus on what’s now.
Now What?
I don’t know about you, but there’s a whole to-do list of work sitting in a notebook on my kitchen island, just waiting to be tackled.
Some of it may lead to other work, some of it may not. Doors might slam shut tight, while perhaps one or two will open.
At some point, that still small Voice may let us know it’s time to stop, to let it go, to move on to something else.
But we won’t know unless we complete what’s right in front of us, will we?
Good News
As we think about potential rejection, let’s remember that no is a perfectly good answer.
Sure, it might sting and disappoint for a while. But if we hold our plans and dreams loosely—though not so loosely we let them slip away entirely—and pray for God’s will to be done regarding each one, each time we get a no we can mark that off our list and trust that He has something else in mind for us.
Dealing with possible future rejection isn’t our assignment for today, though.
Time’s a wastin. Let’s get busy and see what happens.
♥ Lois
Pay attention to the motivation behind your writing. When an idea flows from a desire for validation or affirmation, proceed with caution, if at all. Click To Tweet When we post on social media, are we trying scratch an itch that should really be soothed by a friend, loved one or perhaps even the Holy Spirit? Click To TweetP.S. I’m linking up this week with Inspire Me Monday, #tellhisstory, InstaEncouragements, Let’s Have Coffee and Grace & Truth.
Photo by Esther Ware.
28 comments
I appreciate you so much, Lois. And your thoughtful heart-check before posting, leading to this space being so edifying! I remember a similar “stop that” from the Lord years ago with blogging. I thought obedience had to have visible results online – and it turns out that’s not how the Lord measures fruit. : ) Your advice to do what’s now is such an encouragement and help, and one I know you’re living out friend. Praying for you in that! Thanks for sharing this!
Oh Bethany … you’ve given us such a good word with this: “I thought obedience had to have visible results online – and it turns out that’s not how the Lord measures fruit.” His ways are best, aren’t they? Thanks so much for your prayers and encouragement!
Lois, I can relate. When I first started blogging I was so anxious. I read how to’s that just made me more anxious, do this, buy that etc. Then my lists, I felt like I had to have a list of topics to write about my lists ended up making me anxious too. Then one day as I was having a meltdown about not being good enough, suddenly peace and calm came over me and I felt Him saying “listen for me.” I knew it was him. So instead of thinking I had to write every day, I began to listen to what he touched my heart with maybe it’s once or twice a week and I feel no pressure to live up to what those articles about blogging said I should be doing. Because it’s not about that, it’s about who my words touch, I may never know and that’s okay, because God does. I rarely ever look at my stats. Truthfully I usually forget about them. As I mature in him, I’m better able to recognize his still small voice in All areas of my life now.
Visiting today from Joanne’s
{{Hug’s}} xo
What a beautiful testimony, Paula. I’m glad those anxious blogging days are behind you and that you are now able to share what God puts on your heart without worrying about all those rules and how-tos. You’re right … God knows who needs to read our words, and He will ensure that they see them. Hugs, friend.
Lois, it is so easy to slip into that comparison trap and look for validation. What a great reminder that I must remember to write for His glory, not mine.
That’s a great way to put it, Debbie … we “write for His glory, not ours.” There’s so much freedom and peace in that, isn’t there?
Love this Lois. I have to admit as a young blogger (completing my 4th year), I didn’t always listen to that still, small voice, more worried about stats, and pleasing everyone else. But this year has been a year of starting over to write for an audience of One.
Like you, as I start writing in my head I hear the guidance, and when I heed it, I find I am more peaceful.
Even apart from blogging I am learning to listen, like the other day when my mental To Do list was running amok. I distinctly heard “slow down!”, heeded it and found immediate rest and clarity.
Donna, I love that you heeded the Holy Spirit’s message and “found immediate rest and clarity.” That is a good lesson for all of us, my friend. Many blessings to you as you continue to write for your audience of One. Life’s too short to be stressed out by stats and striving, isn’t it?
Ahhh, Lois. I can remember two times in my life when I KNOW it was God speaking. Both were during times of great discouragement. And He reminded me of His character. His words strengthened me to trust Him as I moved forward in my life. I so appreciated what you said about looking at the motivation behind what we do (writing or something else). I have also been the one who does something for affirmation or validation. Asking God to sift my motivations is always a wise thing to pray. Thanks for your encouraging words, friend.
Aw, Jeanne … those times when God speaks are precious, aren’t they? I love that He reminded you of His character when you were so discouraged … when we are weak, He makes us strong! Hugs, friend.
I can relate to so much here. The struggle for affirmation is real. When beginning to think about writing for publication and hearing the need for a sizeable “platform,” that just adds fuel to the fire. I have to continually remind myself to write for God’s glory and to help and encourage others. And then trust Him to use what I’ve written whether I hear how He is using it or not.
I have never heard God audibly speak, either. I have often wished we had oracles like David consulted in order to know the next step. 🙂 Sometimes when I’ve prayed for wisdom or for an idea, my mind begins working in a certain direction. It still takes time to try to discern whether those thoughts are from God or my own. Sometimes I pray something like, “Lord, this is the direction I think you’re leading me, so I am going to take the next steps. If I am wrong, please stop or redirect me.”
Sometimes when writing, ideas and words just flow, and I feel a little of what Eric Liddell said about God making him fast and feeling God’s pleasure when he ran. Other times, I struggle all the way through a piece, not knowing for sure if this is what I am supposed to be writing, whether I should say things differently, etc. Yet I have had people tell me both kinds of writing have ministered to them in some way. So I guess that “feeling” of being used of God and “in the zone” spiritually isn’t always an indication of whether or how God is working.
Barbara, I think we are a lot alike in the way we process things. 🙂 Isn’t it fun when you pray and then an idea or answer “just occurs” to you? I love how you pray about those thoughts–that you’re going to take the next steps and trust that God will stop or redirect you. Thanks for sharing your perspectives about this … it’s good to know we are on this writing journey together. 🙂
I relate to so much here, Lois. Always a good reminder to check our motivations. I love what you said about checking your blog stats. Christian blogging can be similar but different to mainstream blogging just like our lives. I do check my stats—basic stats—but only once a month for the monthlies and once a year for post stats. Once I was tempted to run to check a stat, and I was convicted that my motivations weren’t right. It made me think of David and when he got into trouble by counting the army of Israel. Wonderful post!
Thanks, Ashley! David’s example is a good one to think of when we’re tempted to proceed even when we sense we should stay put. Good to hear from you … I miss seeing you in our writing group meetings!
I love your intention of paying attention to the motivation behind your writing. It’s good advice for all of us. I also have to pay attention to my motivation for things I DON’T want to write about because it can be revealing too. lol. I also appreciate your advice to focus on what is now, not just what is next. Thanks, Lois!
Ah, Lisa … I think you have hit upon something with also paying attention to our motivation for NOT wanting to write certain things. There could be all sorts of reasons for that too, I’m guessing. I hope you’re doing well, friend.
“I knew my thoughts were coming from a place of insecurity, so they needed to be filtered through the lens of truth and reality before they could ever be turned into words on a page (or a screen).” This really resonates with me, Lois. Yes, that’s so important. It’s so hard in life sometimes when it comes to a big decision, isn’t it? Len and I sometimes wish God would write His answer in the sky or something! I have prayed many times in my life, “Lord, if YOUR presence doesn’t go with me/us, carry me/us not up hence.” You have such great and encouraging advice here, my friend. Thank you. Love and blessings to you!
Haha, Trudy … I think Randy and I feel the same way as you and Len! I love your prayer about not going forward without God’s presence. So glad you found encouragement here, dear friend. 🙂
Like you, I often wish God would tell me more clearly what lies ahead. I would like to see the whole path but on the occasions where I have known him directly speaking to me, it has always just been the next step – for example, when I had the option to be part of a new church plant and was planning to say no until I very clearly sensed him telling me to say yes. I had no idea how that would work out, but I’m glad I listened.
Aw, Lesley … I’m so glad you got that green light from God to join the church plant. I know what a blessing it has been in your life.
Lois, such important thoughts. Motivation matters, doesn’t it? Praying we will both know our what’s next when it’s time to do it.
That’s a wonderful prayer, Donna. 🙂
It has been many, many years that I have asked myself the question, “What is your motivation for wanting to do that?” It’s a hard question to ask, but so needed. Earlier this morning I read: “One day as they were worshiping God—they were also fasting as they waited for guidance—the Holy Spirit spoke: “Take Barnabas and Saul and commission them for the work I have called them to do.” (Acts 13:2, MSG) They fasted and waited for guidance from the Holy Spirit as to whom to commission. I wonder what would happen if we did just that – fasted and waited for guidance. Do we rush our decisions? I think at times I (we) do. I so appreciate this post, Lois. May all we do be with right motivation and for His glory. Blessings, friend!
That’s a great question that you’ve been asking yourself all these years, Joanne. It’s come to me more recently, but it definitely helps keep me on track. 🙂 The early Christians give us a great example to follow, don’t they? Hugs, friend.
This is a post tailored for your writing friends and, as usual, you have served us well!
Thanks, Michele! I had something else in mind when I started writing, but it went the way it was supposed to go, I think. 🙂
Dear Lois, thank you for writing this. I’ve heard ‘stop that’ more times than I’d care to count and looking back it was because my desires didn’t at all align with His. And your caution about our motivations is so important ’cause ‘out of the heart the mouth speaks.’
The clamor of social media numbers and likes and stats is a slippery slope and a shallow motivation that leads to total self-absorption. Yuck. God protect us from it all.
Amen, Linda! I want to avoid that slippery slope at all costs, and I know you do too. Glad we’re in this together, friend.