Writers Block or Spiritual Block?

~~ 2 Timothy 3:16-17 (NIV) ~~  All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.





MS Office Copyright Free Images
I’m still here peeps.  I haven’t forgotten about you, my wonderful audience.  I’ve had some say they’ve missed my posts.  I haven’t written in a while, not even in my journal.  I’m tempted to say that I’ve been too busy.  Well, I have but I don’t see that as much of an excuse not to write.  I’ve moved recently.  That takes up quite a bit of time and energy.  I’m also tempted to say that it is writers block.  Truthfully, I feel stuck but I’m not sure that it’s a lack in the flow of words from my brain to my finger tips.  It’s something spiritual that I can’t put my finger on. 

So What’s the Problem? 
All I know is that I’m in between ‘seasons’ in my life.  I’ve come through the last one which contained a lot of heartache and Bipolar episodes.  It also contained a great deal of blessings.  Now, it’s done and it’s time for the next chapter and I’m not feeling the direction I need from God.  Another truth that hits me in making that statement is that it’s much more likely that I’m not listening to Him.  

If it sounds like I’m rambling that’s because I am.  I’ve finished my book, Cocoa with Jesus, and I’m waiting to hear about the results of the contest that I’ve entered my manuscript into.  No doubt during the publishing process there will be more rewrites needed, but that’s not happening just yet.  

I’ve had my mind recently on a problem with someone from my past.  For several years there’s a ‘friend’ that hates me.  I have no idea why.  It happened suddenly.  Part of me thinks that it’s none of my business what she thinks of me.  It’s not like we were ever close.  We lived half way across the country from each other for many years, and as such we were not part of each other’s lives.  Suddenly after years of no contact she cuts me off her Facebook list.  Now we live in the same city and she won’t even look at me during social functions let alone talk to me.  Part of me feels like God is telling me to let it go.  The other part of me is so curious about what’s going on that I think about it a lot.  

Read Your Bible Daily: It’s a Good Thing
I also know that God has been telling me to get into His Word to find the comfort and answers that I’m looking for.  I haven’t.  Why not?  I’m not sure.  Is this why I’m feeling so disconnected... because I’ve drifted from my routine of reading the Bible daily?  I’m thinking that there must be a connection.  

He Will Not Lead You Astray
Early this morning when I was awake and couldn’t sleep at 4:00 AM, I felt God say to me to read “Psalm 2 3 5”.  What I saw in my mind’s eye was Psalm Two Hundred and Thirty Five; which, of course, doesn’t exist.  So I started thinking.  Psalm 2 verse 35!  I grabbed my bible and looked it up.  Again, there is no such verse.  Psalm 23 verse 5?  Yes, it exists but it didn’t speak to me in this instance.  Psalm 35 two times?  Nope.  I was ready to give up.   I told God that I didn’t understand the message.  

He said “Psalm 2 verses 3 to 5”.

“Oooooooh!”, I said.  I hadn’t thought of that option.

So I read it.  The words that jumped off the page to me were “...break their chains...” .  My first thought was that I should let go of whatever it is that my ‘friend’ hates me for and forgive her.  Break the chains that have a hold on me in this situation.  Then, I read a devotional message in my morning email on my phone that encouraged the reader to Take the Plunge into reading God’s Word.

The answers to my problems are with God.  His Word has the answers and won’t lead me astray.  He will use this, as everything, without waste.  

Let’s Pray 
~~ Dear God ~~  You are so loving, kind, generous, faithful, and gracious.  Sometimes I start to stray off the path toward you.  Thank You that You love us so perfectly that you never give up on us.  Please help us to have a passion for Your Word daily that never tires or dies.  In Jesus name, AMEN.

Now It’s Your Turn 
Thoughts?  Questions?  Want to share your story?  Ask for prayer?  Please consider sharing in the comments section; even if the link you clicked to get here was on another site(If you’re on the homepage, click on the post headline, and scroll down to find the comments section.)
Check out these other great options and join in the conversations...
Carley Cooper RSS Feed
RSS Feed
Carley Cooper on Facebook
Facebook
Carley Cooper on Twitter
Twitter
Carley Cooper on YouTube
YouTube

34 comments :

  1. LORIMAR42July 08, 2013

    I know how you feel. I have been having trouble writing too. I wish I could just get going on it.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks for reading. I hope you were blessed by it. I'll pray for you that your writer's block is lifted. Many blessings to you. HUG

      Delete
  2. :-) Sacred Friend Maybe my blog today can help? Blessings!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you so much. It did indeed help me. The right mindset... which is to focus on God and His Will... is the only path to peace of mind and a blessed life.

      Delete
  3. OCEAN_MISTJuly 08, 2013

    Thanks for sharing and congratulations on your recent move. :-D

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks for reading. I hope you were blessed by it. Many blessings to you. HUG

      Delete
    2. OCEAN_MISTJuly 08, 2013

      Thank you Carley!

      Delete
  4. This morning, after my daughter left, I was taking doggies out and saw that she had left her baby's car seat outside to continue drying. (She had used the car seat from my car to take her daughter to daycare.) I just kept getting the feeling I should take the car seat into the garage at least. I'm not sure if God was telling me it might rain (it was very overcast at the time) or if perhaps someone might steal it when they saw it. Anyway, I took the car seat inside the garage.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you so much for sharing. Many blessings to you. HUG

      Delete
  5. SANDRALEETJuly 08, 2013

    We all can go trough a dry :-( period

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. That's so true. Thank you for understanding and the support. Many blessings to you. HUG

      Delete
    2. SANDRALEETJuly 09, 2013

      God gives us time to reflect and rest think and grew learn and understand our self and others

      Delete
    3. That is so true. Thank you. Many blessings to you. HUG

      Delete
  6. Sometimes unforgiveness and/or our anxious thoughts blocks the flow of writing as does having a lack of deep intimate time with Jesus (including reading His Word and listening). You are not alone. This has happened with me too at times. It sounds like you identified some of the issues and I believe that God has a ready response for you. You have already heard a portion of it yet I sense there is more He has to say. As you yield to His Spirit, He will reveal new things to you. (See Isaiah 43:19) I am praying for you Carley.


    Philippians 4:6-8

    New King James Version (NKJV)


    6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; 7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

    Meditate on These Things

    8 Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.

    Another thought - You just completed a writing project. Could it be that your well ran a little dry and just needs replenishing?

    Stay prayed up so that the enemy is attacking, you are able to stand strong. He doesn't like when we pursue things for God's Kingdom and His Glory.

    Be encouraged and DON'T GIVE UP!

    Blessings, Christine

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you so very much for the support. You really helped me today. Thanks. Many blessings to you. HUGS

      Delete
    2. My pleasure! I give God all the Glory! Hugs!!!

      Delete
  7. Thanks for sharing, we all go through desert periods during our spiritual life, some call them dry periods, one thing for sure, God is with us through the plentiful times and through the difficult times, I remember an old hymn, God Leads us Also..whatever we go through in our stations of life we go through it covered by the Blood of the Lamb...

    Here is the Chorus:

    Some through the waters, some through the flood,
    Some through the fire, but all through the blood;
    Some through great sorrow, but God gives a song,
    In the night season and all the day long.

    Here is the Link for the entire song by George A Young

    http://library.timelesstruths.org/music/God_Leads_Us_Along/

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you so very much for the support. You really helped me today. Thanks. Many blessings to you. HUGS

      Delete
  8. Thanks Carley for this reminder. My creative juices have also been running low. Maybe I also need to just pick up my bible - which sits on my desk as we speak - and read God's Word. I tend to agree that often times after finishing a big project our minds can be in a stuck mode and we just need to replenish, and recharge. What better source then God's Word. Keep at it you'll get there.


    Debi

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you so very much for reading. I'm happy to know that it helped you in some small way. Many blessings to you. HUGS

      Delete
  9. SHIRLEY721July 09, 2013

    I suppose a person is being taught to live by faith and not feelings while in a dry spot.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you for reading. I hope you were blessed by it. Many blessings to you. HUG.

      Delete
  10. AnonymousJuly 10, 2013

    I agree, being steeped in the Word is a very good thing. I’m grateful that we have a God who is never asleep at the helm, ready to respond to our every prayer and need. What joy you must feel to have yet another milestone completed in your goal to publish your book, one chapter at a time. Love the title, Cocoa with Jesus! – It’s very personal. Our God must continue to be a part of that developing intimacy we have through our personal relationship with the Almighty. Hug, hug -- (ejoy-) Evelyn

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Evelyn. I hope you're keeping well these days. Thank you for reading. Many blessings to you. HUG

      Delete
  11. JANICEJEMJuly 11, 2013

    ...or an emotional block?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks. That is so very true. It's an option that I didn't think of. Many blessings to you. HUG

      Delete
  12. SPARKLISEJuly 11, 2013

    Nice to hear from you again! Hugs
    I too have drifted away from my daily Bible reading!
    How can I be so busy??? It's nuts!

    I need to get back at it, and hopefully you will too! ;-)
    Keep up the good work! You can do it!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you so much. I hope you're doing well these days. Many blessings to you. HUGS

      Delete
  13. Thank you Carley!! I enjoyed reading this and appreciate you being so open! Your openness helps others realize they can be open too.

    I also read Take a Plunge. I can see why it helped you when you needed it.




    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you so very much. I'm so happy that you enjoyed my post. I hope you were blessed by it. Many blessings to you. HUG.

      Delete
  14. Hugs. I will venture to try to answer your question with my own experience,and hope I don't bring offence. Maybe you're over planning. I find when I start to write, the blog goes places I never thought of at the start. Some blogs take on a life of their own and the message was for me alone; those are often the ones that disappear into cyber space never to be seen by anyone again! Yesterday was such a time: I got a message and then it was gone. The Lord showed me that this is the second time in the past half year that He is trying to warn me to slow down and take a lot of my irons out of the fire. I listened and today I have a peace about my life in the slow lane. Hope you get inspired again. Just write what's in your heart and leave the goal to God, or maybe it's time for some writing R&R.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you so much. Certainly no offense taken. This blog started like it had a life of it's own! But I know God lead me to it. My writing is slowly coming back to me. I'm busy a lot now, so that doesn't help much when it comes to finding time to write. Thanks for taking the time to read and leave me some feedback and encouragement. I really do appreciate it a lot. Thanks. Many blessings to you. HUGS.

      Delete
  15. JANIS-IRENEJanuary 31, 2014

    I understand where you are coming from. I have been writing since I was 17 and that was in 1999 and about 8 years ago, I struggled to write and couldn't understand why. I cried, I prayed, I swore off writing. But the desire and passion to write, to create, often welled within me and I HAD to write but I didn't know what. I had ideas, I certainly wasn't lacking in that area but why couldn't I seem to write. I kept telling myself each day I am going to write today and I would mention it on my blog and guess what...I went to bed that night frustrated to tears because I didn't write but didn't know why. I questioned if there was something spiritual going on and desperately asked God what He wanted me to do and all I ever heard was "Just write. I am with you." It was comforting but, still didn't exactly tell me WHAT to write.

    I have had talks with my husband for years about certain projects I would start, then put away, pull them out again, and put them away again, all the while never understanding why I was struggling.

    Then I learned about Creative Anxiety! I had no idea such a thing existed. If sit down to write you have anxiety of not being good enough or not mattering, or of criticism. AND if you DON'T write, you have anxiety because you are not creating. I am reading a book called Mastering Creative Anxiety by Eric Maisel. Next I want to read Fearless Creating. But Mastering Creative Anxiety is eye opening. I have only started the book so not too far into it and it is hitting on everything I have been dealing with. I have already begun writing again because I have accepted that if I do write or if I don't, I will have that anxiety and I have to admit it, accept it, and master it. I am not at the part of learning the keys to mastering this creative anxiety but I can't wait to read the rest of the book.

    I still pray for guidance in what I am writing, but I already feel a weight has lifted. I hope you this helps you. Good luck and God bless.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Wow. Thank you so much for sharing. I haven't heard of Creative Anxiety either. It makes sense though. Thanks also for the book recommendation. Many blessings to you. HUG

      Delete