Doubt

I keep hearing that writers need to have some very thick skin. Writing puts you “out there” like no other profession I can think of. Rejection is everywhere and criticism abounds. It’s a solitary profession too. So alone at my desk, it’s so easy to let doubts creep in. Why would anyone want to read what I write? Why do I think I can write anyway? Other writers are so much better than me. And the list goes on and on and on.

I’m reading a book right now, recommended by author and speaker Jen Hatmaker, called Bird by Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life by Anne Lamott. Anne writes candidly (and with great humor) about her own doubts as a writer. Jen has also blogged about her doubts. And these are successful, published, famous writers! If they have doubts, it’s no wonder I have them, too . . . times a thousand. I’m not successful, published, or famous.

So, what to do with my doubt? I remind myself that this whole book and writing thing is a God calling. Because I’m confident in that, I can usually quiet the doubts in my head. What I want for this book is to fulfill God’s purpose for it. My prayer is always that he would give me all that I need to go and say and do whatever it is he wants for my story, that he wouldn’t let my doubts hinder his plans in any way, and that my words would, above all, honor and glorify him. His will be done is what this book is all about. I know doubt doesn’t come from God; it comes from the enemy.

As a reminder to myself, because sometimes doubt screams loudly in my head, I have a band that says, “Ephesians 3:20,” hanging on the corner of my computer screen whenever I sit down to write.

“Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or imagine.”

God is able when I’m not. That truth leaves no room in my mind for doubt.