Perhaps more than any other profession, the writing life resembles a roller-coaster ride. We sit on the edge of our seats, excited about the climb to success when, suddenly, we are plunged into a valley of rejection slips, failed contracts, and a host of other discouraging events that threaten to destroy our resolve to keep on writing.

David the Psalmist faced a far worse situation than a publisher’s rejection when he reached Ziklag and discovered that his entire family and the families of his men had been abducted and their possessions stolen. David’s men grew so angry with him that they wanted to kill him. But what did David do? Instead of worrying and fretting and retaliating, he encouraged himself in the Lord (I Samuel 30:6).

When we find ourselves in the valley of writing despair, we would do well to imitate David. David rehearsed his earlier victories won through the power of Christ. David knew that the same God Who had delivered him before would deliver him again. In short, David trusted God.

What about you? Has the enemy stolen something from you? Your health? Your finances? Your zest for living? Has he stolen your time, your children, your marriage? Whatever it may be, remember that our God is a God of restoration. He promises us this in Joel 2:25 NASB: "I will make up to you for the years that the swarming locust has eaten."

If you are in the valley of despair today, whether about your writing or about something else, consider David, the man after God’s own heart. Encourage yourself in the Lord, be still, and wait for Him to act on your behalf. He will never fail you.
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Copyright 2014 by MaryAnn Diorio, PhD, MFA. All rights reserved.
Photo Source: Google Images
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Dr. MaryAnn Diorio writes compelling fiction that deals with the deepest issues of the human heart. Her latest release, A CHRISTMAS HOMECOMING, is the story of the power of forgiveness to heal a broken family. Visit MaryAnn at www.maryanndiorio.com.