Preparing the Sacrifice

Image by Alejandro Piñero Amerio from Pixabay

Christian writers sometimes go through valleys and deserts where our inspiration is dry or we feel perhaps God has no more job for us to do.

I know, I’ve been going through feelings like this of late. Perhaps you are too.

I researched what psychologists say about that feeling we have lost purpose and ways to rejuvenate our passion.

When life changes, we might struggle with redefining our purpose. We may feel unfulfilled or lacking in joy as a result. Our old ideas or ways of doing things may change, requiring new-found energy to adapt. Our sense of identity is wrapped around a sense of purpose. When we lose sight of that, our feeling of self-worth often diminishes.

We may experience this feeling after a book release and the spurt of new energy required to promote that work. When the sales are disappointingly low, we sag in our desire to continue on this journey called writing.

For some, this emotional downward spiral may follow a significant traumatic event: loss, family upheaval, natural disaster, or a violent crime against us. Getting through each day requires all the energy we can muster let alone plan on creativity. Some of us soldier through, but we should not risk denying these events' impact on our desire to keep writing.

“One of the most common causes of lacking purpose and meaning is simply feeling lost or unsure of where to go next. You might feel like you’re just treading water, and not really making any progress towards your goals.”*

Besides stress or burnout, we may have lost a sense of purpose due to an overwhelming sense we don’t deserve God’s blessing on our endeavors. We may feel God is disappointed with our failings. This, of course, is the devil’s lie.

Psychologists recommend the following to help regain a sense of purpose:

Identify your passions: Consider what you care about and what excites you. You can also think about where your passions and gifts intersect.

Reflect on your values: Ask yourself what motivates you. 

 Check-in with yourself: Before you get out of bed in the morning, ask yourself what's important that day.

 Try creative activities: Hobbies, sports, art, travel, music, nature, reading, and culture can help you feel purposeful and expand your capacity for empathy.

Practice self-care: Take care of your well-being and practice spiritual wellness.

Learn new things: Read books, listen to podcasts, or watch documentaries.

Let go of what you cannot control. Be honest about what you can and can't change, and work on finding contentment.

Treat yourself as a valuable being and treat others the same way. 

As I reviewed the above, I thought about Elijah and how he was spent after his victory on Mount Carmel. Perhaps he felt his purpose was done as he hid from Jezebel’s fury. He fell into depression. But God was there. First, he bolstered Elijah physically with nourishment and rest. Then, he gave him a new direction and mission. God still had more for him to do. 1 Kings 19.

Christian writer, God will give you the redirection you need to feel purposeful again. Do not believe the devil’s negativity. Write these two verses down, and place them where you can read them frequently as you prayerfully wait for God’s renewal of your call.

Psalm 71:14 NIV

As for me, I will always have hope;
    I will praise you more and more

Isaiah 40:31 NIV

but those who hope in the Lord
    will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
    they will run and not grow weary,
    they will walk and not be faint.

*https://carespace.health/post/causes-of-lacking-purpose-and-meaning/

October, 2023