Your Message isn’t Cliché

People have been writing for generations, even if we didn’t physically write our thoughts down. We’ve shared ideas, revelations, and knowledge. We’ve passed down stories, legends, and tales of grandeur. With generations of storytelling and knowledge-sharing behind us, sometimes, when we sit down to write, a bit of doubt can creep in.

“People have already heard a story like this.”

“This isn’t new knowledge.”

“Why should I write about this? Others already have!”

“God has shared this with other people, too. What do I really have to add to it?”

“Is my tale really that unique?”

That doubt can lead us to wonder if our story, or message, is even worth telling.

Let’s look at this biblically

Example 1 - Psalms

Take a moment to read Psalm 23, by David, and Psalm 91, written by an anonymous author. What do you notice that is similar? What do you notice that is different?

Put simply, both declare that we have nothing to fear because God is our shelter and protector. However, each explores the idea in different ways—David through God as our shepherd, the other author through God as a fortress, mother bird, and army commander. David, no doubt, was writing from his experience as a shepherd. While we don’t know what sort of life the other author had, it would seem that he also experienced worry and found peace and refuge in God. Same messages, different voices, different perspectives.

Example 2 - Epistles

Let’s move to Ephesians 1:3-14, written by Paul to the Gentile Christians in Ephesus, and 1 Peter 1:3-9, written by Peter to Jewish Christians scattered around the eastern Mediterranean. Both passages praise the Lord for His great grace, love, and mercy. They both marvel at the hope we have in Jesus and the inheritance and blessings we have been given through Him. They both iterate how much God wanted this, how He chose us, and how He set the rescue in motion. Paul, later in chapter 2, echoes Peter’s emphasis on how our faith—and only our faith—is our role in our salvation. The message is the same, but it was written by two different people. What if Peter figured the message has already been shared by Paul and these people will hear it eventually (if they haven’t already)? A whole group of believers may not have heard the beautiful truths he shared. The message wasn’t any less important just because someone else had already shared it.

There’s no cliché

How about “God loves you”?

Does the fact that it has been shared for generations make the statement any less powerful?

“God loves you” stands true through the ages. It will never change and there is always someone who needs to hear it, whether they are an old or new disciple of Jesus. It is always relevant.

“God loves you” will never be cliché.

Your message isn’t cliché

The fear that what God has put on our hearts could be cliché can hold us back from ever sharing our message. Can you imagine what would happen if we all stopped sharing “God loves you” because “everyone has heard it before”? Can you imagine your life without that knowledge?

What God has put on your heart takes on your treasured and unique voice and perspective, and there is someone out there who needs to hear it and needs to hear it from you. Even if it takes on the quality of a story that has been passed down for generations, even if it’s a biblical truth that sets the foundation for our faith—it takes on the experiences you’ve had, revelations that God has given you, battles that you’ve fought, and things you take delight in that the rest of us would never get to experience if you kept it to yourself. You are the right person to share your message.

Dealing with fear

So, what do we do with that fear? Well, we take every thought captive and submit it to God. If you have allowed the fear that your message or story is cliché hold you back from writing, you’re not alone. I’ve been there. I have a book that I’m working on that has been on my heart for several years. Doubt has reared its head several times. I’ve wondered if it’s even worth sharing. I’ve thought that maybe someone else would be a better voice to share it. I’ve wondered what I could possibly add to this topic.

I was thinking these thoughts one morning while preparing for my day, when the Lord interrupted me and told me to go downstairs to the worship room. He sat me down in a chair and very pointedly said something along the lines of “Allie, I put this topic on your heart for a reason. I’ve been dreaming about it with you for a reason. I’ve chosen you to write this book because your voice matters and brings another perspective to the table. You are the right person to share this message.”

He was very direct. Kind, but direct. My Father isn’t going to let doubt hold me back. Every time that doubt arises, I bring it back to Him and hold it up to what He has already told me. I’m not going to entertain any thought that contradicts His words.

Holy Spirit empowers you to do the same. If you’ve entertained any thoughts of doubt and fear around your writing, the solution is simple. Bring it before God, ask Him His thoughts about it, ask Him if there are any other fears you’ve entertained, repent, and ask for the truth. Repeat that truth whenever doubt arises again.

Your voice is unique and treasured. What has God put on your heart to share?