“Call to me and I will answer you, and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known” (Jeremiah 33:3 ESV).

As a writer, there are times my mind feels as empty as the blank screen or page before me. Though I hold in my heart the call to write God’s messages, the only thing I sometimes manage is a good grasp of the pen or hovering fingers over a keyboard. I wait but nothing. Not a single word.

Am I alone, or have you, too, ever experienced this?

Perhaps we’ve forgotten something. In our eagerness to serve–whether it’s weaving words to touch lives for the Lord or some other act of service–have we begun by asking God–

What is it You would have me do, Father? What’s the message upon Your heart?

Have we called upon Him, believing He’s promised to answer us?

I recently read a reflection from John Baillie’s classic A Diary of Private Prayer. The fifth morning meditation reminds us that God always has been and always will be. He never failed our ancestors, and He’ll not start falling short on our behalf now.

But His people have a part to play, just as did the patriarchs, the prophets, the psalmists, the apostles, and the martyrs. Yes, even so this poor soul who now holds her pen, waiting for words to come.

As Christians in Christ’s service, just as the aforementioned folks of old, we’re called to act in order to experience results. And as Baillie so beautifully and wisely writes, we, too, must–

  • Trust in the Lord (Proverbs 3:5-6).
  • Seek the Lord (Psalm 105:3-4).
  • Rejoice in the Lord (Philippians 4:4-5).
  • Wait upon the Lord (Isaiah 40:31).
  • Call upon the name of the Lord (Psalm 116:13, 17).

The ensuing results?

  • We won’t be put to shame (Psalm 22:5).
  • God will put His words upon our lips (Jeremiah 1:9-10).
  • He’ll be present in our songs (Colossians 3:16).
  • We’ll be filled with the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:4).
  • He’ll be with us, even when we’re persecuted (Romans 8:35).

Indeed, for the poor soul who calls upon the name of the Lord—asking Him, “What shall I do for Your glory and the good of others?”–God will save us from every trouble.

Yes, even for someone like me, when the trouble’s a back case of writer’s block.

Do you have any tactics to help motivate you when you’re feeling sluggish or simply drawing a blank in your efforts to serve the Lord?

Are there any particular scripture passages that you claim in prayer?

Everlasting Author, remind us quickly, lest we waste precious time, to call upon You and believe You will answer us and share with us those hidden things You’d have us do, speak, or write—for Your glory and the good of others. Amen.

**This appeared first, though specifically for writers and, thus, slightly altered, at Inkspirations Online.**