It was sad, tumultuous, painful. It was lacking severely. My story had taken a turn I hadn’t expected and now I sat praying about it. What had changed? Where was the hopeful undertone? Where were the words of Christ? Where were the answered prayers? 

For some reason, which escaped me at that moment, these things were missing from the incomplete manuscript.

Later that night, once again asking God to show me, a wave of grief hit me. I soon found myself on my sister’s bed and we cried together. The answer became quite obvious: I was writing from a place of grief and pain – for one I had lost, for one I was fearful to lose. My story reflected a deep need for healing.

Everyone has been hurt. In one way or another, this sin-cursed world has pierced your heart and left you in need of healing. There are many ways people cope with grief and pain. For some of us, it is writing.

I have read many books (my unfinished one now included) where the Christian who writes is penning from a place of grief, brokenness, pain, even trauma. The hero struggles through one horrible thing after another as the writer is swallowed up in their wounds.

Sometimes, we don’t recognize that’s where we are writing from. Sometimes, we are intentional about it. We believe that we are being vulnerable and creating relatable experiences, and that such a story will touch others who struggle in the same way.

While this is partially true, it does nothing for the building of God’s kingdom. Writing from our wounds always leaves the characters – and therefore, readers – without hope, comfort, or healing. And if this is the case, why write at all? It seems, then, that we have nothing better to do than write to selfishly cope with our injuries and find affirmation in our pain.

But, Christ-followers are different.
We write from a unique place.
We have a special heart-and-mind perspective.

We begin at our wounds…and move toward Christ. We begin in the trenches with our readers…and walk out with them by grace.

There is a place for our wounds – in Jesus’ hands. He is the One who is near the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit; the One who heals and restores; our Comforter (Psalm 34:18, Psalm 147:3, Jeremiah 8:18).

That is the place where are wounds reside – a place of recognition, comfort, and ultimate healing.

If our wounds are in their rightful place, in the hands of our gracious Friend, our writings will reflect it and glorify Jesus even more.

Writing from a wounded-yet-healing place does not mean we need to push off, lighten, or excuse the wounds in our story. On the contrary, these wounds need recognition – because all of us face hurt. But, we must also write of comfort, of restoration, of ultimate healing – because Christ-followers have this hope to share with the world.

If we write only from our wounds, we do an injustice to our readers, for hope, comfort, and healing are available in the person of Jesus Christ. First, we must seek it from God, then we must give it from the overflow He gives.

“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in our troubles so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God” (2 Corinthians 1:3-4).

That beautiful word, comfort, means “to call to one’s side.” Quite literally, Jesus calls us to come near and be enveloped in all He has to offer. And when we cry out to God for comfort, He runs to our side.

A Christian authoress I know once told me, “I wrote the words of comfort I wanted to hear for myself. I gave my characters hope and healing, because I needed it, too.” And reading her books, I can testify, she gave it in truth and grace.

So, how can we be restored in our writing? How can we move from wound-oriented back to Christ-oriented story-telling?

Here are some practical, spiritually-focused ideas – compiled from my personal Scripture reading, much prayer, and conversations with godly peers and mentors – which I am implementing to write from the Jesus-focused place of a healing heart.

Take Time in God’s Presence

It takes time to heal. Ultimate healing may only be found when Jesus calls us home or returns. But, a measure of healing will be given on this earth, a measure of comfort and fellowship that soothes the wounds of our heart. Take time to be in God’s presence through reading the Word, prayer, quiet times set aside to listen and journal. The Lord is near the brokenhearted, draw your heart and mind near to Him.

Trust the Lord with your wounds. The way of healing wasn’t promised to us as a painless path. I remember more than once jumping into my aunt’s saltwater pool, only to then be reminded of cuts on my hands or feet. Although swimming was painful to a degree, it was enjoyable also, because my siblings were splashing around with me. And, often, a few days later, I would see my cuts or scrapes had healed up. Just as salt stings the wound, yet provides healing properties to cuts and scrapes, God may lead us through things that hurt before the soothing balm of healing comes. Yet, we can have joy through the sorrows, because God is with us –that’s what joy is, it’s the beautiful expression of being glad to be with one you love.

Keep a Journal

It takes time to write from a healing heart. The longest breaks I have taken in writing have been centered on being restored from hurt.  Most of us are used to writing from our wounds, to laying our thoughts out on paper. You don’t have to quell that coping mechanism, rather use it wisely. Write in a journal, whether that be in story form or as if writing letters to a friend, or simply your thoughts and feelings. Also, keep a spiritual journal – write down your prayers to God, pen verses that impact you, jot down the impressions/thoughts that come to you from your quiet time with God. Use writing it propel you toward Christ and healing, not just a good story.

Find Support

Our family has a rule: no one suffers alone. We are committed to being present and available for each other when we’re struggling – whether that be something big or small. 
Truthfully, I did not lean into the support my family had to offer during a season of broken relationship with God, and I suffered longer than I would have if I’d let my parents and siblings into the mess with me. Since then, I’ve been learning more and more to be open with them and find support in them.
Speak your thoughts. Let someone you trust read your journal. Cry and pray together. And seek to support that family member or friend, also. Make a pattern of giving and receiving – everyone will benefit.

Speak Truth

Telling your heart and mind what is true about the pain you’re experiencing or the healing you’re seeking is vital. God’s Word is truth.
“God is near the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” (Psalm 34:18)
“I am loved. And this is how I know – Jesus Christ laid down His life for me. Nothing will separate me from His love.” (1 John 4:10, Romans 8:35-39)
“One day, God will wipe away every tear and there will be no more sorrow.” (Revelation 21:4)
“The Lord heals the brokenhearted, so I will be healed.” (Psalm 147:3)
“God does see trouble and grief.” (Psalm 10:14)
“I am not alone in my suffering, nor am I the only one struggling. I know my brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kinds of suffering.” (1 Peter 5:9-10)

Your supporting family and friends will also speak truth to you; listen. The more you speak it, the more your heart will believe and hold on to the truth.

One Step at a Time
Some days, we feel more comfort and peace, and ready to write. It can all change in a moment, though. Be patient. Approach writing time with prayer. Start writing small.
Beginning to work on my project again has been slow. A scene here, a sentence there, a brainstorming idea. I will jot these down, then close the document. It allows me to write from the correct place instead of sinking into the wounds that are present. I am making progress in the work and building up my muscle memory – my heart and mind – to pen stories from a healing heart.

I sincerely hope these things will help you come to the place of writing from a wounded-yet-healing heart.

May God our Healer and Comforter be your everlasting guide!

Alyson Jensen

P.S. If you need an extra prayer partner, feel free to email me. I will gladly stand by your side.