INNER AND OUTER

“Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.” Psalm 51:10-12 NIV

Restoration and renewal are often needed in our spiritual life. These verses from Psalms are almost like listening in as the Psalmist prays to God to accomplish these tasks in his life.

When a person experiences some type of restoration, there are outer and inner evidences. For example, a person might have a relationship restored and would show evidence of this through facial expression or body language. But, that person would also have internal reactions that might not be clearly seen by others. For example, if the person experienced stress with this strained relationship, the restoration might alleviate that stress, maybe settled stomach or calmed nerves.

These inner and outer reactions to circumstances are necessary to show to our readers as well.

Make a list of restorations. Here’s a few to get you started: restored health, restored marriage, restored friendship.

Now choose one of the above. Label two columns: Inner and Outer. List possible inner and outer indications of that restoration.

Write a scene sharing a few of each, inner and outer, occurring with your character.

As Christians, there really should be inner as well as outer evidence that we have Christ. What inner and outer evidence do you notice in your life of being a Christ-follower? After thinking about your own inner and outer reactions and evidences, could you more effectively show those through your writing? Have you experienced some restoration in your own life? If so, those inner and outer evidences you experienced can make it easier for you to show this through your characters.