How Do We Move Beyond Our Doubts About Our Writing?
Beyond the Shadows of Our Writing Doubts Part 1
I’ve been struggling with some doubts about my writing. What about you?
Maybe you’re staring at a blank screen and feeling stuck.
Maybe you write some but then delete everything.
Maybe your focus or direction isn’t clear.
I get it! I’ve been in that place! But I’m slowly moving out of it, and here’s what’s helping.
Where am I looking?
Looking at this verse challenged me to think about where I’m setting my sights in light of my writing:
“‘Do not fear, for I am with you; Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, Surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.'” (Isaiah 41:10 NASB1995 emphasis added)
The words, “Do not anxiously look about you” popped out at me.
You know what can make me feel anxious about my writing? Looking at what others are doing and thinking, I should be doing that.
Here are some other lies we might start believing when our gaze shifts to others:
Everyone seems to be offering some new book, course, free pdf, or podcast. I should do that.
Someone else is writing on the same topic as I am, so why should I?
They’ve got thousands of followers, and I don’t. What’s the point?
See how that “looking about” gets us distracted and discouraged and anxious?
Where not to look
This verse from Psalm 119:37 tells us to turn away from illusions (isn’t that a great word when we start to compare ourselves to others?)
“Help me turn my eyes away from illusions
so that I pursue only that which is true;
drench my soul with life as I walk in your paths.” (TPT)
I know it’s not always easy to have the self-discipline to not look and to not compare, but it’s not impossible.
And don’t you love those words, “drench my soul with life.” We are filled with life, purpose, and direction as we keep our eyes on Him.
Let’s pray this:
Lord, I confess that I’ve been anxious about my writing. Help me identify the source and uproot it. Help me to focus on You and my calling to write. Nothing else. I commit my plans to You, and trust that You will accomplish them. Amen.
Thank you for being here, writing friends!
I’m praying this prayer for you this week!
~Melanie
I’d so appreciate you forwarding this to a writing friend who might want to subscribe to this blog, Melanie S. Chitwood Writing Tips, where you get free writing tips and encouragement twice per month.
Hi Melanie,
Thank you for post – insightful and timely. I love your prayer – beautiful! Blessing -Deborah
Thank you so much for being here! So glad it helped!
Just what I needed to read this morning. Thank you
Thank you, Ali. So glad it helped!
Thank you, Melanie, for these words of inspiration and instruction. I look forward to more of your wise words.
Thank you for joining me, Johnnie. I’m learning from experience, just like you!