by Cathy Baker
{ Day 29 }
It didn’t take long
for me to realize that we writers can quickly become fascinated with numbers. The
number of books sold, or hits on a particular blog, article, or Facebook
post. Let’s face it. All of these things, in some way, validate the fact our work is being read, and hopefully finding its way to the hearts of those God intended. But, if we’re not careful, over-focusing on numbers can not only choke out our joy but it can take our motivation captive.
 |
| That’s a lot of liking! |
For some reason, I thought I’d escaped the clinching chains of counting numbers until this summer when I
found myself face to face with discouragement. To make my point, I must be painfully honest. Sigh. You see, discouragement slithered
its way in the back door when I began noticing a drop-off in blog comments,
leading me to question if the time required to create my posts was a wise use of God’s time.
Around
that same time, a handful of people, some I’ve never met, began emailing me after reading
particular posts. Their emails often resulted (and still do) in a deep
abiding gratefulness no words can describe. (You know who you are! Thank
you!)
Here’s
the thing. Their comments showed up in a private inbox, for no one else
to see. In other words, the comment count on my blog didn’t change but God used these private messages to not only encourage me but to also teach me a game-changing lesson I’ll take with me to eternity.
In the midst of my deepest discouragement, I sensed God asking, If your motivation is to glorify Me alone, does it matter if comments show up on your blog or in your inbox?
like a taut rubber band awakening me from my spiritual slumber. Ah, now I remember why I often begin my time in prayer with Psalm 139:23, 24: Rarely, if ever, can I trust my own motives. God must be the motive searcher of all things for He alone knows me—really knows me. He alone sees past my good intentions and zeroes in on specks of pride searching for places to take root in my heart.
Yes, comments and emails still delight and encourage this old soul but now they’re simply a gift, not a measuring stick for validating my time.
Staying in Step with the Spirit: God alone is our Validator. When He is invited to search our hearts and to test our anxious thoughts, we are humbling ourselves before Him… and a humble heart is one close to its Maker.
Heavenly Father, search our hearts and test us. You alone know our true thoughts and deepest motivation concerning all things. Purify us and lead us in the way everlasting as we humble ourselves before you.
Your turn! Have you ever looked to anything but God for validation along the way?
Wow, can I ever relate to THIS one, Cathy. Especially after having such a sketchy online presence lately. But I'm thinking God may be using all those things to break me of my need for public approval.
And that hurts so good, my sweet friend.
True, true. It's nice to know I'm not alone, Susan. 🙂 Thanks for sharing.
I look forward to hearing about Allume!
Much love from SC….
Yes! In answer to the "Your turn" question from someone working to overcome the disease to people please – that place of validation. That scripture is like manna in the desert! Please keep posting! See you in a few days!!!
It really is a lot like a disease isn't, Desi? That's a great word for it.
Thanks so much for sharing, sweet friend. I can't wait to see you — and celebrate our granddaughter's first birthday together!
Cathy, if we're honest, I think we'd all have to admit it, at least some of the time. Most of us want to know all the work is making a difference in somebody, somewhere.
But I've reminded myself several times that Paul didn't sit down to write most of the New Testament. He sat down to write letters of encouragement.
Not that we would ever consider our work written by hands directly linked to God's mind, but we must remember that whatever He has called us to do, it's our responsibility to obey. It's His responsibility to reap the harvest from it, in whatever what He pleases. That's humbling, to say the least.
But yea. I'd still like some numbers. 🙂 I love your tender heart!
Totally been there . . . good word Cathy . . . thnx, — I've heard of the disease to please too! It's so true sometimes isn't it?
Take care, H
I've never considered that particular truth of Paul and his letters of encouragement, Vonda.
Thanks so much for sharing…
Yes, Hester! So true.
Thanks for stopping by. 🙂 Blessings from SC!
I know this place of discouragement that feeds on the apparent lack of impact suggested by numbers and lack of visible response. Oh, I know it well. God has been working on freeing me up in this area as well. We can enjoy working with God in the writing process when we are free from the pressure of making our way by the numbers. Thank you for writing and sharing this Cathy. I love your writing, I just wish I had more time to read and comment on everything my sweet and talented friends write!
Thanks so much, Ginger. "Freeing" is the perfect description when we choose to keep our eyes focused on Christ instead of numbers.
I appreciate your taking the time to stop by. 🙂 Blessings!