Writing has been a struggle of late. I wouldn’t be being honest if I said I didn’t know why. I know why because I know that for the writer I am, writing primarily about God and His life-giving Word, writing is simply overflow. And lately, there’s been none.
Striving, struggling, straining to write let’s me know there’s no flow. Recently someone asked how often I update my blog, to which I answered, “When I have something to say“. And I’m realizing more and more that the nagging voice in the back of my head pressing me to write…something…anything to create a post so the blog stays current, is a sign that there’s a different current I need to attend to.
Like a stream in drought with but a trickle of movement, I need current all right…the current that comes from immersing myself in the fountain of living water, the source of life…abundant life. That, not my blog, is what I need to keep current. Little input equals little output, and that’s been my state.
So, once again I’m learning yet another of my issues is a heart issue. This writer’s hand has been stilled by a wanting heart. I long to be in the flow, to the point of overflow…my heart so full that inspiration, revelation can not be contained. That I, with the psalmist, might declare through my writing, by the mere fact that I am writing…
My heart overflows with a good theme…My tongue is the pen of a ready writer. Psalms 45:1
Joining Five Minute Friday for this week’s writing prompt: Writer
Such honesty. What is the cork holding back the overflow? Praying for discernment and release. Beautiful words.
Hi Rachel, Thank you for visiting and thank you ever so much for your question and your prayer! My first response would be “distraction”, but I’ve learned things are usually deeper than I initially realize. I could not ask for a better prayer…discernment AND release. God bless you!!!
Such truth here! When there is no overflow, it’s because I haven’t been still enough for God to pour into my heart…thanks for the reminder! Visiting from FMF.
Hi Kel, Thanks for dropping by and commenting. We’re reminded together! 🙂
Thanks for visiting me and your encouraging comment.
I agree that sometimes having nothing to post about can be a wake up call that we need to heed. If we have nothing to say we have to ask why. It happens to me as well. Sometimes it is because there are things, but I need to get to the other side before I can speak but like you, often is it to do with being out of the flow. Praying you find your way back in.
I appreciate your visit and your comment, Carolyn. “Getting to the other side” sounds great to me. 🙂 Prayer sounds even better!! Thanks very much.
“…a wanting heart.” Three words of impact. Perhaps God designed the stillness to stir a wanting heart for him? I am challenged by the same. More Grace, Donna
Truly, Donna, once we’ve tasted and seen His goodness we can never be satisfied apart from His presence. I will let the stillness do its work. 🙂 And, more than anything, I want what your salutation declares….more grace! Thanks so much for stopping by.
Lisa,
I hear you on this for sure. There are times when the words in my head are so full that I can barely keep up with the flow. Others – dryer than a camel’s tongue in a desert. At first those times frustrate me. But then I remember that there is much good that can come from silence, the first being prayer. Sometimes it’s time to talk, other times we need to be content to be still and listen and soak up His goodness and light.
Be filled by Him.
A camel’s tongue in a desert…perfect! 😀 Makes me laugh, but also brings to mind the scripture “As the deer panteth for the water so my soul longeth after Thee.” Thanks for sharing about your own experience and your insight. Noted. I appreciate your comment and am so glad you stopped by.
Now THIS is some beautiful writing, Lisa! You put this so eloquently:
“Little input equals little output, and that’s been my state. So, once again I’m learning yet another of my issues is a heart issue. This writer’s hand has been stilled by a wanting heart. I long to be in the flow, to the point of overflow…my heart so full that inspiration, revelation can not be contained.”
I’ve felt this way recently, too, & it’s made me check myself: Who I’m writing for & why. Thank you for sharing your site on my blog w/ the same Scripture 🙂 You are very talented! I hope to read more from you 🙂
~Summer (http://youaretheoneiwant.com)
You are too kind, Summer! Thank you so much for the encouragement. It’s not been easy to share this transparently, but lately God seems to be getting me to a new place in this regard. In the midst of it I can’t tell you how much it means to receive understanding like you expressed in this comment. I’m so pleased to have met you here in the blogosphere. Gratefully….Lisa
You have a way with words! I really enjoyed this and I am so impressed with your writing as well as your transparency. Beautiful. As part of my weekly writing goals I include journal writing because I find that is where I can see clearly where my heart is at. I find that when I am in the Word, the words in my journal flow. And when I’m not? Well, you know…
I really loved this. I will definitely be coming back for more. Thank you for sharing!
Yes, Jayna….I DO know. 🙂 I’m so glad you took the time to visit and comment. Your encouraging words are refreshment to my heart, honestly. Thank you ever so much. YOUR transparency helps ME. Thank goodness we can preach Jesus and not ourselves, right? He did say, “Apart from Me you can do nothing”, so why should I be surprised? 🙂 Bless you, and it’s wonderful to meet you!