Hello again, and welcome back to On the Write Track! I’m so happy to be able to have a minute to write again—especially when I’ve had some God-inspired thoughts. I’ve had a lot of changes in life lately over the last two years. I know I’ve discussed many of these with y’all, including my degree change—which I am still loving! However, I’m in a season of a lot of unknowns currently, for various reasons. 

God has really been showing me a lot. These thoughts have really centered on an Adventures in Odyssey Episode quote that “change can help you change, and that can be a good thing.” I have shared before that I’m not a fan of change, but I have to recant on that. Change has shown me a lot about myself—both strengths and weaknesses. I have had a lot of close people walk out of my life recently for various reasons. I’ve had to stretch into new roles that I didn’t necessarily feel prepared for and been forced to grow through uncomfortable situations. 

Right now, my future, in many aspects, is unsure. I’ve found myself stressed, and often falling into ruts where I lack the joy that I know God wants to give freely. I think a lot of this uncertainty stems from the fact that God is working ahead of us before we can even perceive it. This confusion doesn’t come from the absence of God, but the fact that He’s working ahead of our understanding. These times encourage perseverance because they refine things in us that comfort never could. Change reshapes identity, moving us from who we were to who God is calling us to be. Growth is typically marked by wilderness seasons, waiting periods, and unexpected turns. These are the uncomfortable times when we can encounter God the most. Change is uncomfortable because it strips away what’s temporary and builds what’s eternal. Change isn’t just something we go through—it’s something God uses. While we often don’t enjoy the process, we can trust the purpose. 

So that takes care of the change. I’m okay with it now. I don’t always like it, but I embrace it, and the new seasons I know are around the corner. However, that doesn’t address the unknowns, the what-ifs, and the what about’s. The times where you feel nothing is changing, when you need it to. The times where you pray and beg for change, because life is demanding answers. The times when it seems life is at a standstill, and you’d do anything for even a seed of hope. 

There are even times when I am not necessarily desperate, or even hopeless, but confused. A door had opened that I felt God was urging me to go through. Then, the door at the end of the hall slams shut. You’re stuck in the middle without a way to go back or an obvious answer to move forward. In all transparency, this best describes my most recent state of life. But God never leaves you in those situations for long. He knows what you need before you ask, and He knew what I needed. He sent someone to speak into my life, someone who knew nothing about what was going on. They spoke about Psalm 46:10. “Be still and know that I am God.” They discussed how when you don’t know the next step, and things seem to be at a standstill, to be still. When you can’t do anything to prompt change— know who God is. God is giving you an amazing opportunity to be still and recognize who you serve. A chance to totally take your hands off of what you had no control over anyway, and rest in God. He will give you peace that passes understanding, and joy unspeakable. 

Now onto the moment I know y’all have been waiting for…what does this have to do with writing. And to be honest, this is a connection that may be strictly personal. This may be a way I cope, and in that case, this may just be a glimpse into my heart for y’all. That being said, writing is a huge part of “being still” for me. If I am truly putting everything in God’s very capable hands, I can relax. I can rest. I can take a deep breath, and trust. I can spend time writing. I know I’ve discussed this before, but writing is an escape for me. It’s relaxing, rewarding, and brings me joy. I find that when I try to take control and worry about all aspects of my life, I stop writing. I don’t have time. I have other things I need to do to change the situation. I have so much going on in my head that I don’t have room to write and empty my head enough to be creative. When I truly give it to God, I empty my head of all the thoughts that are out of my control, and focus on what I can control—which isn’t much. When I make room to write, I am truly showing God that my hands are off. My life is His, and whatever is going to happen, I trust Him. For me, writing is what, ‘being still’ looks like in practice. 

So let me encourage you, to take the things stopping you from writing, and give it to God. Because honestly, what do you really have control over? Be still, and know He is God. Allow yourself to relax in His assurance of all things working together for the good to them that love God and are called according to His purpose. He knows the plans He has for you, and He will bring it to pass. If you like to write, do so with new energy! If you want to read, trust God enough to pick up that book again. If you like to paint, be still, and create a beautiful canvas. Whatever things you’ve held yourself back from that fill you with joy, enjoy them again. Life won’t change until He opens another door, so enjoy the room you’re seemingly stuck in. Love y’all! God is always working, even when you can’t see or feel it! It’s going to be okay! 

“Be still and know that I am God.” ~Psalm 46:10