Writing Words That Outlive YouSample

Refreshment

When we think of refreshment, we might think of ice cream, popsicles, or snow cones during the summer heat. Or perhaps some iced tea or lemonade on a sweltering day.

I would like us to think of our writing and the books we publish as another form of refreshment. Let’s look at a little verse tucked away in Proverbs to help add to this concept.

Proverbs 25:13 in various translations…

“Trustworthy messengers refresh like snow in summer.They revive the spirit of their employer.” – NLT

“Like a snow-cooled drink at harvest time is a trustworthy messenger to the one who sends him; he refreshes the spirit of his master.” – NIV

“Like the cold of snow in the time of harvest is a faithful messenger to those who send him; he refreshes the soul of his masters.” – ESV

“Reliable friends who do what they say are like cool drinks in sweltering heat—refreshing!” – The Message

“Trustworthy Messengers”
“Faithful Messengers”
“Reliable Friends”

We would all agree that the more valuable an item or message is that is being sent, the more refreshing its delivery. There is a difference between waiting for an order of stickers compared to a $10,000 cashier’s check you’re expecting.

In both examples, we are hoping for a trustworthy, faithful, and reliable delivery. But there is a greater refreshment or gratefulness that takes place when the cashier’s check arrives safely.

But notice who is most refreshed in these verses – It’s the master or employer.

You and I have been given a valuable message to carry to a world that is sweltering under a heavy burden. Not only will our words be a refreshment to those who read them…but also a refreshment to our Master upon their delivery.

Whether you write fiction or non-fiction, the words you and I write have the potential of being used by the Lord long after we pass on to our Heavenly home.

We can be ‘trustworthy messengers’ who bring refreshment with the anointed words God inspires us to write.

How have you seen God use your written words to bring refreshment to others?

If you feel called to write words that outlive you, please check out our Kingdom Writers Conference: Prayer Edition which will encourage you to seek the Lord in order to unlock your full potential as a writer