“It is time to seek the Lord…”
Hosea 10:12 (NIV)
“While some procrastinate more than others, few of us (if we are honest) can say we never procrastinate. For a myriad of reasons, we put off doing things – especially, it seems, getting words on paper. It’s no wonder God seems to call a number of people to write similar things. He knows how few will actually finish what they start.”
Marlene Bagnull, Write His Answer
I winced at the thought my lack of writing was an act of disobedience. It seemed I always had an assortment of urgent tasks calling my name. Admittedly, everything else was more appealing than the hard work of pounding out words; it’s even easier to take out the trash than to sit down and write!
The first part of Hosea 10:12 says to sow righteousness. If I am to sow right actions then I need to do some active waiting on the Lord. What is active waiting? It means to do what you know to do until the next step clears. And then to do the next right thing after that, and so on.
Another portion of our verse says “break up your unplowed ground.” What fertile soil is waiting for you to dig in and excavate its potential?
How do you make the most of every opportunity to write? Try some of the following tips to create time.
Exercise:
- Make an appointment. Schedule time on your calendar, just like you would for a doctor visit. Guard it faithfully.
- BIC Time. When you put your “Butt in Chair,” put blinders on to everything else but writing.
- Set a timer. You can do anything for 15 minutes. And it will inspire you when you see how much you can accomplish in a short interval.
- Accountability Partners. Ask another writer to hold you accountable, and then be kind when they do!
- Prayer Warriors. Do you have your own prayer team? Ask like-minded people to cover you with prayer power to shield your thoughts.
Our verse in entirety says, “Sow righteousness for yourselves, reap the fruit of unfailing love, and break up your unplowed ground; for it is time to seek the Lord, until He comes and showers His righteousness on you.”
One more thing; Hosea 10:13 reminds us to guard against self-sufficiency. Seek the Lord in all you produce and your words will reap the fruit of His love, as you wait for His blessing!
Resource:
Marlene Bagnull, Write His Answer, p. 47
Over 140 of Sally Ferguson’s devotionals have been published in Pathways to God (Warner Press). She’s also written for Light From The Word, Chautauqua Mirror, Just Between Us, Adult Span Curriculum, Thriving Family, Upgrade with Dawn and ezinearticles.com. Prose Contest Winner at 2017 Greater Philly Christian Writers Conference.
Sally loves organizing retreats and seeing relationships blossom in time away from the daily routine. Her ebook, How to Plan a Women’s Retreat is available on Amazon.
Sally Ferguson lives in the beautiful countryside of Jamestown, NY with her husband and her dad.
Visit Sally’s blog at www.sallyferguson.net
