Valuable Ways Writers Can Combat Anxiety

by Beth K. Vogt @BethVogt

Anxiety disrupted the rhythm of my days recently.

Not a pleasant occurrence, this undercurrent of uneasiness that appears when I least expect it and interrupts my plans for the day, including my writing goals.

But God promises to bring good out of all things, and that includes disrupted seasons like this one.

Digging Deep & Writing During Isolation

by Emme Gannon @GannonEmme

As the glow from my computer screen illuminated the darkened room, I pondered my weekly writing goal. Disappointing. Instead of producing a flurry of words my mind had turned to mush.  Many of my writer friends had reported a creative surge in their word count during this coronavirus isolation. My words would come, but like a firefly whose light departs in the early morning hour, my story angle would disappear, ensnared by news reports of doom. 

My Worth Isn't Determined by What I Say

by Sarah Van Diest 
@SarahVanDiest

Something to say?

We don’t always have something to say. It doesn’t change our worth, value or significance, it just means right now we are quiet. It is a good time to listen, to be still and know that He is God. It is a good time to employ our senses and take in from the world around us.

Weekend Worship—Be Still and Know I Am God

Edie here. Today I'm excited to introduce you to a writing friend of mine, Laura Hodges Poole. Laura has a powerful new devotional out , While I'm Waiting: Going from despair to hope while praising God and choosing contentment during trials. I invited her to share something from it here. I know you'll become a fan, just like me.

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Be Still and Know I Am God

by Laura Poole @Laura_Poole 

Be still, and know that I am God. Psalm 46:10a

Have you ever been still? I mean really still. No cell phone, TV, or computer? No children running in and out? Complete and utter silence?

Imagine calmness filled only with your thoughts and God’s presence. If only we had the time, right?

Many things demand our time. And we give that time away and waste it freely, as though we have an endless supply. As Christians, we do—in eternity.

Meanwhile, here on the earth, if we’re to be effective disciples, we must spend time alone with God.

Crowds of people came to hear him and to be healed of their sicknesses. But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed. Luke 5:15b-16/

Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed. Mark 1:35.

Many are unwilling to give God premium time—the time they’d rather be (or are committed to) doing something else.

So how much free time is enough?

“O Lamb of God, deliver me …”

From subtle love of softening things,

From easy choices, weakenings,

(Not thus are spirits fortified,

Not this way went the Crucified)

From all that dims Thy Calvary

O Lamb of God, deliver me.

~ Amy Carmichael, missionary

I often take inventory when life’s demands and deadlines seem overwhelming. I don’t know about you, but Amy Carmichael’s words challenge me. What do I allow to dim His Calvary? Whatever I find that to be, it’s not more important than spending time alone with God.

Rearranging our schedules to have quiet time—be still and know time—with God, is necessary as Christians. It’s during this time that we replenish our spirits.

Reflection: When God has my undivided attention, inspiration and rejuvenation take place. What is God trying to whisper to your heart today in the midst of chaos?

Laura Hodges Poole is a freelance writer with dozens of articles, devotions, and short stories in publication. She is a 2014 ACFW Genesis semi-finalist and a 2012 RWA Emily finalist in Christian fiction. Laura is also a non-fiction ghostwriter/collaborator. Her passion is encouraging others in their Christian walk through her blog, "A Word of Encouragement." She may be contacted at laurapoole565@gmail.com. Follow her on Twitter @ Laura_Poole and like her Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/#!/LauraHodgesPoole.

Her Christmas novella, “A Christmas Chance,” is available on Amazon.

Weekend Worship—Only Still Water Reflects

He says, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” Psalm 46:10

What a great vacation we’ve had, spending an entire seven days at the beach. We've had time to take long walks, search for shells and watch the birds. But I have to say, the hours we've spent lounging in our beach chairs—feet in the sand, has been my favorite part.

It’s also been a time when God has spoken to my soul, reminding me of some basic truths.

Weekend Worship—Only Still Water Reflects

Photo taken at Glorieta Conference Center 

He says, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” Psalm 46:10

The heat index was over 100, but lounging in my beach chair—feet in the sand, I couldn’t have been happier. The blue sky mirrored the dusky blue of the ocean. The tide had turned and more often than not, my feet were washed clean by the encroaching waves. As each wave receded, in its wake was a pool of water so calm I could see my face. This image was replaced over and over as rushing waves crashed upon the shore.

Like an oft repeated saying, the truth of this moment began to penetrate. When I get busy, rushing from thing to thing, it becomes harder and harder for my life to clearly reflect Christ. But if I slow down, living by His rhythm, His image is visible in all aspects of my life.