Writer’s Block Seems Very Real But Maybe It’s Something More

I’ve been struggling to write this past month, and honestly it has taken me by surprise. It has me admitting that “writer’s block” is a very real thing, and yet, wondering why now? I’ve heard this phrase for years, but never really experienced it, like I am in the present time. The truth is that more often than not, I usually have  multiple subjects brewing in the back of my mind, just waiting to be shared. So this lack of “good ideas” is not my norm. Tonight, I decided to exercise my faith, by sitting down, praying first, then choosing to start writing, just to see where God leads me, with no particular plan in mind. I opened my Bible for inspiration and answers for my dilemma.

God Led Me to Scripture To Remind Me to Keep Sharing the Gospel

“Even when I am old and gray,
    do not forsake me, my God,
till I declare your power to the next generation,
    your mighty acts to all who are to come.” Psalm 71:18 (NIV)

This verse really caught my attention as I read it. So, let me try to explain why by saying this:  “It’s pretty obvious that I fit the part of ‘old and gray.’ (especially when I haven’t had time to color my hair! haha!) But the second part of the scripture truly resonated much deeper in my soul.

I think it’s because the whole Uniquely Constructed journey began as I was trying to find my true identity, and identify what God called me to do next with my life.” 

This verse reminds me of the purpose of sharing God and His mighty acts with the next generation, and all who are to come. Writing, posting, publishing, and authoring this column gives me an opportunity to do just that!

Being a wife, mother and grandmother; owning businesses with my husband; working in real estate; and balancing chores and household responsibilities are all big parts of my life. But something was missing and I felt it was time to do more to search out my own calling and dreams. That search led me to opportunities to become an author, while simultaneously making a way to share Jesus with the world.

God Hears Our Prayers ~

Before I began writing, I prayed out loud that God would help me write something He wanted me to share. I asked for Him to lead me to exactly what He wanted me to see, I opened my Bible, and He did!

It’s soo important that we give God Praise for the things He does! Then, it is just as important that we share, and testify of His goodness to others. This is the message I’m meant to share tonight, and I am grateful for His quick response.

“My mouth is filled with your praise,
    declaring your splendor all day long.” Psalm 71:8 (NIV)

“But as for me, I will wait and hope continually,
And will praise You yet more and more.” Psalm 71:14 (AMP)

These verses are reminders that we should fill our mouths with praise. Even in the waiting, and times we just aren’t sure what comes next…we must hold onto hope continually. We should also be declaring God’s splendor all day long! As we pray and wait, these things are important parts of the process of reaching God’s ears!

The Enemy Tries to Stop Me ~

Although writer’s block is not something I normally struggle with, there are many other areas where I do. Honestly, I would have to admit that time management and choosing what to do, and in what order, probably stresses me out the most easily. I juggle many different job titles and positions and it is not always easy to know what direction to go in first, as I begin each day.

Then add into the mix the fact that I love spending time with family and friends, and it’s a tough thing to navigate all of it at the same time. Even with the best laid out intentions, I can plan for my day, but all too often, it does not go that way.

Frustration sets in, and I realize how tempting it is to just give in, give up, and not achieve any of it. And admittedly, this is not good for creative writing and sharing! (IT DOES HOWEVER MAKE FOR GOOD EXCUSES NOT TO…)

Maybe that is exactly what the enemy intends to happen all along? It makes sense that he wants me too busy, and too far behind with my responsibilities, to spend time with God at all; much less time to write and share for generations to come!

It’s possible that the enemy is throwing obstacles my way, thwarting any well laid plans I might have for writing and sharing God’s Word. It seems like a reasonable deduction, doesn’t it?  ~  Well, I say, “Not Today Satan, Not Today!”

God Sees Me When My Plans Go Astray ~

When I begin to feel overwhelmed, and behind, it makes it even harder to make time to write creatively. I think that’s where I’ve been the last several weeks. I think about writing all the time, but actually doing it, has me drawing a blank.

As I think back, I can easily see that I have had weeks full of unexpected events, both good and bad. Firstly, I had Covid and was extremely sick. This was not on my list for sure! After a week of terrible sickness, and the inability to sleep at all, I was more than eager to get better.

Admittedly, I had good reasons to get back to work. Thoughts of catching up work tasks bombarded me because I wanted to be caught up, or even ahead of schedule, in preparation for my new granddaughter’s expected due date of February 26th.

Well, my sweet granddaughter made her appearance three weeks ahead of schedule! (NOT ON MY SCHEDULE, HA! HA!)

She has stolen my heart, and she is absolutely adorable! God knew she was coming early, we did not. Her entrance into this world certainly took center stage, and full attention for sure! She had a longer hospital stay than usual, and I was blessed to be able to be with my daughter, her husband and baby girl to help out! We all lost lots of sleep, but never has there been a better reason for it! Love her soo much! SHE IS SUCH A HUGE BLESSING AND ADDITION TO OUR FAMILY! THANK YOU GOD!

Learning to Stop Feeling Guilty Doesn’t Come Easy ~

Between having Covid, and my granddaughter’s arrival, I lost lots of hours of sleep. Literally to the point that if I even get still, get my computer and journal out to write… I fall asleep within minutes. Maybe it’s not truly writer’s block at all.

Maybe it is just the need to catch up, rest up, and let God lead me to things in His timing, instead of the thoughts of “I need to write, I need to post, I need to accomplish this or that.” 

All too often, I carry so much guilt when I do not accomplish the tasks I think I should. Learning to accept that I can’t do it all, just doesn’t come easy for me. In fact, I think this is what God was leading me to with this column all along… He knows me, He knows every detail of the past weeks, the good, the bad, and the great! He knows I’m weary, but still have a heart to do what He has called me to do.

This week the lesson was for me! Let God Be God! He will sustain me, and show me His will, and His Timing, without my guilty feelings! For that, I am most grateful!

GOD’S NOT DONE WITH ME YET, AND I’M LEARNING AS I GO! USE ME GOD… YOU ARE THE POTTER, AND I AM THE CLAY!