.png)
Grace in Every Word: A New Chapter for the Blog
- Cheryl Balcom
- 2 days ago
- 4 min read
Do you find your heart filled with more struggle than hope?
Are you tired of fixating on problems and wanting to rest in joy instead?
Do you long to grow in your knowledge of and appreciation for the Bible this year?
Maybe it's time for a shift.
In the spring of 2023, after writing and publishing my memoir, Winds of Grace, I started this blog to help readers find peace in the generous grace of God. As I described in my book, I wrestled mightily with perfectionism, control issues, and disappointment, so I wrote to encourage others who share these struggles. While I wrote, God showed me repeatedly the power, comfort, and sufficient grace found in his Word.
He showed me that there is no button to push to instantly fix our struggles. Then he showed me the One who made a way (Romans 5:15, 6:14).
He showed me that our battle with flesh will continue throughout life on this earth. Then he showed me that in Christ there is now no condemnation (Romans 7:24-25, 8:1).
He showed me how weak I am in my own strength to “fix” things, how little control I truly have. Then he showed me how strong he is, how loving, how sovereign (2 Corinthians 12:9; Jeremiah 31:3; 1 Timothy 6:15-16).
Before, I began with a problem, then searched the Scriptures for help; but the beautiful truth is that the more time I spent in the Word, with the Word, the more the presence of the Word painted my problems with fresh perspective. I saw that it’s the Word that brings peace that supersedes my struggles.
Now, I want to start with the glorious truths of Scripture, to focus on his revealed Word and presence that are the solution to any concern. This doesn’t mean I’ve finally overcome perfectionism or solved all my control issues, but God has opened my eyes and broadened my heart to see that his grace and truth meet us, wherever we are, in every word that points us to the Living Word.
Strong Truth, Comforting Grace
Scripture tells us that God’s Word never returns empty (Isaiah 55:10-11), yet I want to make sure I’m not applying it like some kind of holy Band-Aid. What brings true healing is knowing Jesus Christ in a personal relationship, trusting that we can turn to him, our faithful friend and conquering King, in every valley, through every shadow. We can gain perspective from discovering God’s bigger story and finding our small but significant part in it—to joyfully know him and make him known. The best way to get to know him, to know that story, is by reading his words, written and preserved for us for that very reason.
To shift our gaze from our problems to the Person who is always our answer, I have changed the title of my writing ministry to Grace in Every Word. Because in God’s Word we find truth that sets us free, grace that covers and carries, and words rich in wisdom and beauty. In God’s Word, we discover the Living Word, Jesus himself.
Words that Inspire
As an avid reader, words have always been my love language. The Bible speaks words of love to me every time I linger in its pages. Ever since Isaiah 30:18-21 sealed my surrender to Christ in my college dorm room, I have hungered to know the Author better.
Many others have written about God, his Word, and his power in their lives. They’ve crafted words of praise, prose, and poetry that tell us of faith tested by fire and found to endure. Of a God who is steadfast and strong. Together we can learn from those who have gone before us, who have witnessed his presence on the mountaintops and in the miry bog. We’ll share in the joy of these words that complement Scripture and be encouraged in our love for God.
As we allow the Word of Christ to dwell richly within us (Colossians 3:16), I will continue to write here twice a month, emailing blog posts and a monthly newsletter to subscribers old and new. I'll work with diligence and delight to create resources that help us explore this incredible gift that is the Bible.
Together we will draw near, dig deeper, and behold his beauty in the pages of his Word. Together, we will be edified and encouraged by the writings of his people. I hope that, together, our hearts will be lifted in praise to God, our worthy King, whose very words brought the world into being.
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
John 1:1
Ready to shift your gaze this new year? Ready to dig deeper into the Bible, to know Jesus better? I’ve created a free 7-day journaling experience that will guide you through Colossians 1:15-23, a beautiful passage of truth about Christ to fill you with fresh awe and gratitude.
