Writing Through Storms by Tina Yeager

Writing Through Discouragement Storms

by Tina Yeager

“Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God”

(Psalm 43:5, NIV).

Spears of rain pelted my windows during a recent storm. I watched wind-driven sheets of weather lash against my home while I rested in cozy peace. An ensuing power outage failed to dim my spirits. I enjoyed the show from a dwelling place I trusted to keep me secure.

If only I maintained the same confidence when storms rain upon my calling.

A season of sunny opportunities promising fruitful work buoys my mood. I imagine myself shielded by faith and charging forth to serve as a writer for Christ. I enjoy the fair-weather view and assume I’ve matured past the old insecurities.

When certain triggers hit me like rain spears, the cracks in my spiritual well-being show. Rejections. Dismal royalty statements. Bleak outcomes. The enemy’s voice lashes against my heart with relentless accusations of failure and insignificance. Tears shower my soul and my inner world thrashes in slander’s tempest. My spirit wilts along with all the words that might flow from it.

I often relate all too well to the lament of King David’s downcast soul.

Despite the emotional typhoon, I stake my will to the psalmist’s commitment. I choose to put my hope in the one who called me to write. Not in my outcomes or circumstances, and especially not in myself. As I declare praises to the Lord, my awareness and experience of him intensify.

The Spirit assures me that my dwelling place in him holds me secure. Jesus lifts me up from my moments of discouragement with each storm. He reminds me the squall will pass, but he will not.

And the words King David wrote to his son inspire me to persevere as a messenger.

“David also said to Solomon his son, ‘Be strong and courageous, and do the work. Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord God, my God, is with you. He will not fail you or forsake you until all the work for the service of the temple of the Lord is finished” (1 Chronicles 28:20, NIV).

Jesus, thank you for holding me secure in every storm. Even when I fail to perceive your sheltering presence, you remain faithful. Please fortify my spirit against despair and grant me your Spirit’s strength and courage. Help me dwell in you with increasing confidence. Equip me to do the work for which you commissioned me and trust in you for every word. Amen.

Award-winning author, speaker, and life coach, Tina hosts the Flourish-Meant podcast a YouTube channel, and the Flourish Today radio show. She serves as membership director for Christian Women in Media Association, on the marketing team for STRUCK the Series Streaming TV show, and as Director of Traditional Groups with Word Weavers International. Look for her books, Beautiful Warrior (Iron Stream Media) and Upcycled: Crafted for a Purpose (Bold Vision Books). To connect with her, visit tinayeager.com.

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