God's Promises to Writers Series: To Sustain Us

He Will Sustain Us
God's Promises to Writers Series
Net's Notations Tuesdays

A few weeks ago I talked about how God keeps us. My focus was His keeping us in the face of risks, as well as keeping us on the path He has for us.

What about sustaining us?

Cast your burden on the LORD, And He shall sustain you;
He shall never permit the righteous to be moved. (Psalm 55:22)

Do you ever grow weary with waiting? Weariness can bring discouragement and even defeat. Over the years, I’ve read of writers giving up writing and pursuing publication because they’re weary from rejection and would rather not try anymore.

But if you know God has called you, and if you remember His promise to sustain you, you can find rest while you wait. His promise to sustain us gives us hope, confidence, strength in the midst of rejections or the push toward a deadline.

Sometimes all I really need is a good nap.

Ever felt that way? I’ve been pushing myself with the fantastic new program offered through ACFW—Novel Track: Writing. So, it’s up early and focused on meeting my goals. Throw a little family vacation into that and all the work involved, add one small pup, plus hosting a party for our worship team and you’ve got a busy couple of weeks.

So, where in the midst of our large family and our summer plans and my writing career is there any time to rest?

Hmm . . . beats me. *grin* I have to make time. I have to take time.

And I have to remember God will sustain me. I have to rely on Him for that.

So, if He calls me to rest, I need to heed that call. As my Good Shepherd, He knows what I need.

We can cast our cares on Him because He cares for us (see 1 Peter 5:7). He can bear our burdens so we can get some rest.

Sometimes we push ourselves harder than we need to. Sometimes we aren’t disciplined as much as we should be. There’s a balance somewhere in between where God sets the pace and we follow it. And when we do, we will be sustained. It’s His promise to His writers.

God's Promises to Writers Series: His Presence

His Presence
God's Promises to Writers Series
Net's Notations Tuesdays

Show of hands if you’ve ever been outside your comfort zone as a writer. Perhaps before or during a booksigning, or when sending in a manuscript? Maybe when you were scheduled to meet with an agent at a conference. You sat across from her and saw only weariness, no sign of interest in your project. Or maybe lots of interest, but then the whole manuscript had better shine, and you’re not sure it does. Perhaps you’re an author/speaker and that first speaking engagement brought on a slight case of hyperventilation followed by dry mouth and a near-fainting spell. Perhaps starting a new project and staring at the blank screen intimidates you.

In all those situations, aren’t you glad God promises to go with you? He’s with you. Always. Here’s His promise:

For He Himself has said, “I will never leave

you nor forsake you.” Hebrews 13:5b

I’ve heard this phrase expressed as “I will never, ever, ever leave you. I will never, ever forsake you, ever.” In other words, God’s not going anywhere. It’s good news, isn’t it?

As a participant in ACFW’s Novel Track: Writing challenge for July, I have had to really lean on God—both for inspiration and stamina. I’m so glad He’s with me all the time. He doesn’t call us and then let us fend for ourselves. He’s there to inspire, strengthen, guide, and even root for us—like any good father would.

Do you picture Him rooting for you? He does.

Next time you’re unnerved or unsure what to do next, remember He’s with you, holding your hand. His presence, that He will go with us, is another of His promises to us as believers and writers.

Fear not, for I am with you;
Be not dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you,
Yes, I will help you,
I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.’
(Isaiah 41:10)

God's Promises to Writers Series

Refreshing
God's Promises to Writers
Net's Notation Tuesdays

The afternoon I’m writing this, sunshine streams in the window of my writing office. Wind chimes and flower pots dot the yard around me. It’s a lovely, peaceful time. But sometimes I need refreshing where my writing life is concerned, too. I’ve taken on the Novel Track: Writing challenge which ACFW is sponsoring in July. It’s been fantastic, very rewarding, encouraging, and exhausting. *grin*

You set your own goal, so it’s partly my fault—I understand this. Still, I push myself to write 2500 words a day, five days a week. Guess what? A couple Fridays ago, I got behind. Then, I spent that following Sunday night playing catch up. I needed refreshing.

Here’s God’s promise to us weary writers:

The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness For His name’s sake. (Psalm 23:1-3)

So, I have a refreshment tactic. I find my guided creative writing journal and snatch a pen and go sit in my prayer garden. Now, this works best in summer, so it needs modification other times of the year. But it’s helpful to just sit somewhere and listen for God.

Other times, I’ll even remain in my writing office, but with the Bible open beside me. Sharon Hinck, a dear friend and fellow author, suggested praying through a Psalm a day. I took her words to heart and have established a specific journal I use in my writing office. Being in God’s Word refreshes me. He’s the ultimate Author and His Words live.

If you’re a weary writer—whether due to waiting or writing or editing or hurtful reviews or whatever, run to God and ask for His refreshment, then position yourself to receive it. Become an empty vessel by laying aside everything to receive what He has for you.

Refreshment is one more of God’s promises to His writers.

God's Promises to Writers Series: To Keep Us

He Will Keep Us
God's Promises to Writers Series

Net's Notations Tuesdays

Behold, I send an Angel before you to keep you
in the way and to bring you
into the place which I have prepared. (Ex. 23:20)

Isn't that beautiful? The "Angel" in this verse is actually referring to Christ before His incarnation. He goes before us. He goes with us.

As writers, some of us are just getting started. Some of us are newly signed and some are veterans—with variations everywhere in between. But this promise of God lends us security as we venture forth: He will keep us. Because even if you’re multi-published, there is still new ground to cover, there are new venues to explore.

“Venturing forth” can be frightening. It’s the unknown and the known that can rattle us. For example, a lot of times authors end up becoming speakers, even fiction authors. Makes sense. They have a way with words. They have a message. You have a message. God has planned for you to touch people’s lives. But what if you’re timid before crowds? What if the mere thought of speaking in front of a thousand or more people makes you break out into a cold sweat?! See that? Fear of the known.

And then there are the what-ifs—the unknowns. The inherent risk of visibility, or the fear of not earning out your advance, or not measuring up. The fear there will never another contract. Or what if I can't write another novel as good as the last?

And then, there are risks spiritually. Nope, not talking spiritual warfare (though it’s very real). I’m talking about our own tendency to trip merrily down the path toward selfish desires (rather than selfless serving), pride (versus humility), self-sufficiency (rather than dependence upon God), entitlement (rather than gratitude).

There’s a promise in the midst of our concerns about that as well:

Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling,
And to present you faultless
before the presence of His glory
with exceeding joy (Jude 24)

That encourages me as I’m so far from where I want to be. Raise your hand if you can relate with this: serving God (in whatever capacity) both involves and requires a maturing process. And writing for Him is about so much more than writing for Him. Amen?

Praise God He promises to keep us.

God's Promises to Writers Series: Help!

Help!
God's Promises to Writers Series
Net's Notations Tuesdays

If you don't know what you're doing, pray to the Father.
He loves to help. You'll get his help, and won't be
condescended to when you ask for it.
Ask boldly, believingly, without a second thought.
People who "worry their prayers" are like
wind-whipped waves.
Don't think you're going to get anything
from the Master that way,
adrift at sea, keeping all your options open. (James 1:5, MSG)

This same verse, in another translations, speaks of wisdom, which was last week’s promise. “If any lacks wisdom . . .” But I love how it warmly refers to God as our Father, ready and willing to help.

When was the last time you needed help in your writing? My answer: today. I spent the early part of the day editing a chapter of my WIP (work in progress) for critique group Dawn and I attend. I wanted to bring them something they wouldn’t expect and I needed God to inspire me. He did! I was surprised as I rewrote the scene. That’s key. Surprises in the writer lead to surprises for the reader. Yay!

How about you, when was the last time you needed help? Maybe you had writer’s block, or needed answers to some research questions. Maybe you were praying for a mentor and God brought one just in time to help guide you. Maybe you received a rejection on a dear project and needed help carrying on. Or perhaps got back some contest scores you hadn’t anticipated and the responses stung.

Aren’t you glad the same God who called you will help you when you need it? I’m convinced, though, that He wants us to humbly come ask Him for that help. It’s good for helping us keep 1 Corinthians 4:17 in mind.

For who makes you differ from another?
And what do you have that you did not receive?
Now if you did indeed receive it,
why do you boast as if you had not received it? (1 Cor. 4:7)

Here’s an invitation from our Affectionate Father:

“Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace,
that we may obtain mercy and find grace
to help in time of need.”
(Heb 4:16, NKJV)

I want to avail myself to that offer of help. God’s called us to write, and He won’t leave us without assistance. Rely on Him. He’s got this—exactly what you need. It’s one more of His promises to writers.

God's Promises to Writers Series

Direction

God's Promises To Writers Series

Net's Notations Tuesdays

“Ugh! I don’t know what to do next.” How often have I thought those words?

If you’re like me, you have limited time you can focus on writing. Perhaps it’s a day job or kids or church obligations. That’s true for me, too. I’m busy. So, when I get a moment at my desk, sometimes it’s difficult to prioritize. Do I blog? Do I submit articles for consideration? Do I edit my WIP (work in progress)? Do I email or dabble on FB?? (tee hee) What should I do?

It’s times like those that, if I remember, I try to stop and ask God to direct me.

If you’re under contract, you know what you need to do.

If you’re on a deadline, you know what you need to do.

If you’ve set specific goals and have daily word counts you like to hit, you know what you have to do.

Sometimes the calendar determines where I spend my time. What’s on the schedule for today?

But there are many days when I just need God’s direction, I need Him, in His wisdom, to direct my steps. Here’s His promise to writers:

And your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying,
This is the way, walk in it, when you turn to the right hand
and when you turn to the left. (Isaiah 30:21)

God promises to direct our steps. Remember, we’re in this for Him, for His name’s sake. He will not leave us wandering blindly and wasting time. Trust Him for direction. It’s another of His promises to writers.

God's Promises to Writers Series

Wisdom

God's Promises To Writers Series
Net's Notations Tuesdays

As for these four boys, God gave them knowledge
and skill in all writing and wisdom.
And Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams.
(Daniel 1:17, ModernKJV)

Isn’t that a beautiful verse? Notice it says “God gave them.” They chose to live for God, even in a hostile land and God honored their choice by granting them what they needed in that role, and what would make them stand out and give more glory to God.

I need wisdom in every area of my life. How about you? Specifically, as writers, we need wisdom in regards to:

~Human nature – so we can write relatable stories and incorporate wisdom for how to navigate the situations we depict. Also, hopefully, readers won’t feel as alone in their pain and trials. With wisdom we can show them a new way to approach life. Against the reality of tough human struggles, we can contrast the light of hope in the situation. Wisdom helps us do this.

~Writing craft – the Daniel passage above is in regards to this having knowledge and skill in all writing. We could take that to mean the stages of writing, or the various genres some of us tackle, or the mode we tackle them in (i.e. writing in various POVs). Some writing craft books are so advanced, I have to take a moment and process the depths of what the writer is inferring in this new-to-me lesson. This is especially true as I tackle a new medium in writing, like going from novels to screenplays, for example.

~God’s word and His precepts – God’s concepts, His words, change lives. The Holy Spirit illuminates the Word. We need His light to help us understand what we’re seeing. And continue to reveal the truth to us. Reading the Scriptures helps inspire me for my devotional writing. And with so many blogs to keep up, this is a good thing! *grin*

~The business aspect of the professional author’s life. There’s marketing and where to spend our resources and time. What’s most effective? We’ll need wisdom to know.

~Time management – how to use our time wisely in the midst of busy days.

~Inventing new concepts and story ideas – what’s the need right now? Pair your passion up with the need and you’ll come up with a wise approach. Your passion will infuse the book with impact and staying power. Just what you need.

Those are the few areas which came to mind as I brainstormed. You can probably think of more. But no matter what, the good news is God will give wisdom to those who humble themselves and ask for it. Check out this promise from His Word:

If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God,
who gives to all liberally and without reproach,
and it will be given to him. (James 1:5, NKJV)

What a great assurance in a list of promises from God for His writers.

God's Promises to Writers Series

Research Help
God's Promises to Writers Series
Net's Notation Tuesdays

Raise your hand if you love research. Anyone? Anyone? I see one hand clear in the back. Good for you. *grin* Research intimidates me. It’s the reason I haven’t dove into writing historicals. Too many unknowns. A long list of things foreign to our experience. The internet helps, but even then I’ve personally spent hours trying to track down one answer and never found it.

God knows what you need to know and how to find it. He can make connections for you. Let me share some examples.

I wonder how many of our readers here at SW are members of ACFW. What a great place to connect. A couple of years ago, as I was writing the first draft of one of my WIPS, I needed to find someone who could advise me on being a touring musician. I put a request out to the ACFW e-loop and immediately connected with a fellow writer’s spouse. This was the first time I’d made this kind of contact. Felt like this was God’s hands linking us. With his help, my questions weren’t as intimidating, the answers as illusive. With God’s help, the provision came.

Recently I needed medical questions answered for a separate WIP, and because of this blog, Dawn and I had contact with a nurse who graciously agreed to help. Separately I wanted first-hand accounts of a specific ailment. Again, God provided the help I needed.

Sometimes I feel as if I don’t lean enough on God and His call. But here’s what I know: When God calls someone to something, He provides everything they need in His time to bring it together. That includes research for His writers. Provision is one of His promises. Rest in Him to provide.

God's Promises to Writers Series

The Vision
God's Promises to Writers Series, III
Net's Notations Tuesdays

Boy, it’s hard to wait. You send something in to a house or agency and wait. Editors and agents all have piles of manuscripts to look through. Current authors to tend to. Their own to-do lists. (whispering) I think God’s onto me. He knows I don’t like waiting. Therefore, I get to practice often. *grin*

Anytime we put our work out there and have to wait for a response we face temptation to worry what they'll say, whether it's an editor, a crit partner or Grandma Harriett! Happens over and over again at McCrit. There are just some chapters I'm more confident about sharing. Anybody out there know what I'm talking about?

Or, what about contest results? I can hear the sighs going up all over cyber space. The first time I entered a contest, I finaled! But I didn’t win. The next time I entered the same contest I didn’t even final. Ugh! Painful!

I wonder, what is God doing with all this waiting? Why do I have to wait so long for a “breakthrough?”

Here’s God’s answer:

And then God answered: "Write this. Write what you see. Write it out in big block letters so that it can be read on the run. This vision-message is a witness pointing to what's coming. It aches for the coming—it can hardly wait! And it doesn't lie. If it seems slow in coming, wait. It's on its way. It will come right on time. (Habakkuk 2:2, MSG)

God has called us to write. He has probably given you a vision for your writing career, your writing life. Dreams to chase. Adventures to enjoy.

So, our attitude should be (note to self) the vision is coming to pass. God is bringing it. I can trust His timing. He has good plans for me, for my writing and for my career.

And for the writers who are reading this who don’t yet have a specific vision, I believe God will show you as you seek Him. Ask Him to put His desires in you—the desires He has for your writing career. Then, when He shows you (either through a dream, or a conversation, or His Word, or your mentor’s words) write it down. Trust Him to bring it.

God is all over the vision He has for your writing. He watches over His Word to perform it. (see Jeremiah 1:12) Hang in there while He brings the vision nearer. The realization of His vision is another promise to His writers.

God's Promises to Writers Series

Establishing His Writers

God's Promises to Writers Series, II
Net's Notes Tuesdays

On my writing office wall, I have many inspirational quotes. Here’s one based loosely on Jeremiah 32:41:

I desire to establish you
with all My heart
and all My soul

Those words have often encouraged me. I see a promise from God in that phrase.

When God calls writers, He’s already got in mind how He will equip us: training, books, workshops, conferences, friendships, mentors, connections. He understands so much better than we do how long the road ahead will be as we learn and grow as writers.

For our part, we bring willingness to cooperate with Gods’ plan and a desire to glorify Him in our writing. (Just getting to this point has taken me a long while, so don’t be discouraged if you find yourself still trying to figure out God’s plan or feeling confused. Wait on Him. He’ll show you as you press into Him.)

Look at all that happens in the establishing process:

We cooperate with training and learning, even though our egos undergo some “going under.”

We cooperate as God fine tunes (or overhauls *grin*) our temperament and prepares us to be blessed.

We suffer disappointments and learn to trust Him and wait on Him.

We learn how to interact with people on a global scale (consider the reach of social networking sites and the etiquette we all get to learn).

And as He’s doing all this marvelous work behind the scenes, He’s establishing us, strengthening us.

The LORD will perfect His work in me (Psalm 138:8a)

In other words, the LORD will establish me. I have two favorite Scriptures tied to this idea.

But the God of all grace,
He calling us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus,
after you have suffered a little,
He will perfect, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.
(1 Peter 5:10)

I’ve faced a few rejections and disappointments lately in writing and that verse ministers peace to my weary writing soul.

The next one has been a favorite for years. I couldn’t believe the gem I found when I discovered this verse:

And let the beauty of the LORD our God be upon us,
And establish the work of our hands for us;
Yes, establish the work of our hands. (Psalm 90:17)

As I love gazing on the beauty of God, that verse means so much to me. I believe the closer we are to Him, the more of His beauty we’ll see. And that will influence our “work,” or in our case, our writing work. Makes a good prayer.

As His writers, we can trust God to establish us as we follow Him. He is faithful, and He will keep His promises.

God's Promises to Writers Series

The Right Words at the Right Time
God's Promises to Writers Series, I
Net's Notes Tuesdays

Welcome to Net’s Notes Tuesday here at Seriously Write. Annette here. Today I’m starting a new series on God’s promises to writers. Isn’t it great to know God, who has called you, will supply all your need according to His riches in Christ Jesus? When God calls us to do something, He equips us as we cooperate with Him. When He sent out the 70 to heal the sick and cleanse the lepers and cast out demons, He gave them specific directions. Don’t take extra provision (read: trust God to provide for your needs). The same is true for writers who are seeking to glorify God.

Stop and take a moment and consider the single most important thing you need right now as a writer. For each of us, the answer may be different. Some might mention a better technique or a higher level of vocabulary. Some might say they need a new laptop or an office to work from. Some might request fellowship with other writers in order to feel supported and gain valuable feedback. Personally, I’m asking for God’s anointing. His words flowing through my hands so they’ll have the most impact possible.

As Christian writers, we aren’t guaranteed God’s words, but if we stay dependent upon Him and stay connected to Him through His Word and through prayer and worship, we can ask for His words and His will and receive them by faith.

Here’s what His Word has to stay about that:

The Lord Jehovah has given Me the tongue of the learned, to know to help the weary with a word. He wakens morning by morning, He wakens the ear to hear as the learned. (Isaiah 50:4)

And don't worry about what you'll say or how you'll say it. The right words will be there; the Spirit of your Father will supply the words. (Matthew 10:19)

Isn’t that comforting?

Recently, I watched a discussion online about logging daily words on our manuscripts. What say you? Do you try to reach a certain word count goal every day? Do you ever worry the words won’t be there? Or face writer’s block? You can prepare your outline (if you use one) and consider your characters and their motives ahead of time. But what if the words still won't come? You’ve got everything lined up: tension, conflict, characters, dialogue and still the words aren’t there. It’s time to lean on God’s promise for His provision of words.

The same is true for non-fiction writers. You can have everything in order. Chapter title, theme, experience, illustrations, etc., but that's no guarantee of the right words. Time to press in. Ask God for His anointing, for His words to flow through your fingers.

Aren’t you glad we can count on God to provide us with the words we need to finish our books (first draft and rewrites)? His promises are for you, His writer.