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I was bogged down trying to find the appropriate verbiage for an article I was writing. Agitation had replaced enjoyment as I contemplated the merit of two equally good words. I decided to take a break and straighten up my office. As I gathered up the morning newspaper an advertising slogan jumped out at me, "Do you have too many choices?" I thought, "How appropriate! I have an entire dictionary to choose from!" I don't believe I'm the only one who goes through this. I think most writers struggle to find the precise words which will communicate perfectly what they wish to express. The more committed the writer the more intense the search. Perfection is the goal. Excellence is tolerated. Far too seldom are the times when the right words just seem to flow effortlessly as if being delivered by some unseen spiritual stream. The most difficult of all seems to be writing about spiritual revelation and insight. It can be arduous work requiring both time and patience. Translating spiritual concepts into words can be challenging. To share an insight effectively the wording must be exactly what the Holy Spirit wants used for the significance of the revelation to be revealed: The more accurate the translation the more effective the interpretation. Using a wrong or inferior word will dilute or obscure the meaning. If this happens, the "truth" will remain hidden. All effort on the part of writer and reader will have been in vain. Revelation, translated by the Holy Spirit and transferred by the writer to the reader is the process by which anointed spiritual writing is created. Essential is this "touch" of the Spirit. The "anointing" (or enabling) of the Holy Spirit transforms words so they can be received by the human spirit. Spirit speaks to spirit. Anointed writing is a communication from Spirit to spirit. Writings like these change the world. This is how the bible was composed and why it contains life. Easier said than done, isn't it? Personally, I got desperate and went to prayer: Dear God: I'm not up to this. My command of the English language is not sufficient that I can always find the exact word needed to translate revelation into the written word. Scripture says that Your grace is sufficient for me for Your power is perfected in weakness. I know Your ability will more than make up for my inability. Please help me choose the words You would use. Thank you. As I contemplated the problem, my imagination began to stir: I saw myself walking into a magnificent, golden hall. It was a library filled with what appeared to be books from floor to ceiling. Each "book" had one word inscribed on the binding. It was an amazing "Hall of Words." When opened, each "word" would release extraordinary insight into the meaning or nature of something. I opened the book with the word "joy" on it. The vivid colors and emotions expressing "joy" leapt out, pouring forth the knowledge and understanding and of the word "joy." Each volume contained its own comprehensive revelation. Clearly, finding the "right word" was absolutely necessary to writing spiritually inspired works. What an intimidating responsibility! How would I ever know which words to choose? Then unexpectedly, I saw a book slowly move out from its place on the shelf and float down to me. Then another came. The "right words" were "coming to me." A sense of peace came over me and I remembered the expression, "the INSPIRED word of God." The bible says that all scripture is given by the inspiration of God. Sacred writings are not esteemed for being written by men of brilliance or vision but because they are perceived to have been "inspired by God." It's the established belief that these writers were guided by the Spirit to convey with precision exactly what God intended them to declare as the accurate revelation of His mind and will. Personally, I don't think the Spirit quit inspiring writers when the scriptures were compiled and completed. I think He still helps writers today find the words that are "good and acceptable and perfect." I think it's something that gives Him pleasure. I think He is our "Holy Ghostwriter!" Shari Weigerstorfer is a free-lance Christian writer, native to the West Coast of America. When not indulging in her passion for travel, she writes from her home in Switzerland. Other articles by Shari can be found on her site at Faithwriters.com.
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