Writer’s Block–Or Not?
It’s been a while since I posted a blog entry. I don’t know if it’s “writer’s block” because I’ve had lots of ideas. I just haven’t been able to bring any of them to completion. Honestly, I’ve just been spinning my wheels. I’ve started three or four writings and have abandoned them. It’s been a season of mental distraction and some inner conflict. I’m OK and grateful for what the Lord is doing in and around me, but some hard things have been happening in close proximity to me that have occupied my mind. I’ve been finding myself having a lot of conversations with God, not necessarily asking why but trying to understand what he is doing. I haven’t quite figured it all out. Go figure–I’m not God.
My faith is not weakened by a search for answers. It actually makes me more in awe of who God is and how he works. I keep coming back to the character and wisdom of God. We can’t begin to assume we have the answers. Who can know the mind of the Lord? (I Corinthians 2:16) And as it says in I Corinthians 3:19, “For the wisdom of this world is foolishness in God’s sight.” So we can’t assume our earthly insight will provide answers. The verse mentioned above that asks “who can know the mind of the Lord” also says “but we have the mind of Christ.” So there are things we can know. We know that God is in control of all things. He absolutely loves every person he has created. He desires for us all to come to him, live for him and live with him eternally. He is a just God. He hates sin and he will act in a way that will ultimately bring justice and bring glory to himself. It’s actually foolish and futile to try to determine what exactly God is up to. He’s always at work. He sees and knows everything–my very thoughts and the motives of my heart. He sees that in everyone else, too. I absolutely believe that when life’s struggles flare up, God is doing something and he will keep his promises. If things don’t turn out the way I had hoped and prayed, that’s because he has something better or he plans to use the hardship to bring about something good. Our loving God sees the big picture. He hurts when we hurt, but he knows the end. “And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.” (I Peter 5:10)
So, I guess today I just want to step back and revel in the awesomeness and power and authority that God has over our lives. And I want to gaze on his beauty and remember his promises–that he will work all things for my good as I follow him and that he will strengthen me, help me and uphold me. (Romans 8:28, Isaiah 41:10) If you’re in a place where you’re wondering what in the world is going on in your life–or in your family–your community–the world… If you are questioning why God has allowed certain things to happen, just be assured, he’s got a plan. You’re in it. I’m in it. He loves us and he is good. Perhaps the best thing we can do is take Paul’s advice in Philippians 4:6-7: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Today, I choose to stop trying to figure it all out. I choose peace.
