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When Inspiration Doesn’t Show Up
Today is one of those days when inspiration has yet to visit. No wandering thought to chase. No catchy phrase to spark a story. No scripture that leaped off the page to initiate deep reflection. Nope, today I am waiting for inspiration. However, there is no knock at the door.
As I wait, I notice the random thoughts lead only to dead ends. The ideas I’ve jotted down in my notebook as possible writing prompts are also uninspiring. I wait some more.
When inspiration pays a visit, I let it in, heed its suggestion, and allow space for it to percolate. I am waiting for my trusted friend to arrive and inspire. However, still nothing. So I sit and ponder the act of waiting.
The Ways We Wait
Waiting for inspiration is a lot like the other kinds of waiting we do in life—it tests our patience, makes us restless, and can feel like wasted time. But life is full of waiting. We all wait to grow up so we can do what adults do. We wait for birthdays, summer camp, first jobs, and someone special to share life with. We wait in traffic, at doctors’ offices, and in airport security lines. We wait for opportunities—a “big break,” a long-anticipated trip, or a change in our circumstances. We even wait for water to boil, food to cook, and tea to steep.
God’s Purpose in the Pause
If we spend years of our lives waiting, I must imagine that the Creator of the universe knew this would be a significant part of our lives. So, what on earth are we to do with all this time? There must be a purpose to it, right?
And then, I asked the Lord, “What are we to do with all this waiting?” I heard one word: Rest.
Rest! But of course, I never thought of that; probably because I’m not very good at resting. In fact, I’m terrible at it; I am still learning to give myself permission to take time off and do nothing. (And that’s a blog for another day).
Learning the Art of Rest
If waiting has a purpose and resting is key to our contentment, why not use this time of waiting to rest, rather than letting frustration and irritation consume us? After all, it’s not only beneficial for the body, mind, and spirit, but it is also essential for our overall well-being.
God said a lot about resting. A word search through scripture will reveal hundreds of references to the importance of rest. For example, in Genesis, we read, “And on the seventh day God finished his work that he had done, and he rested.” The Psalms tell us: “He makes me lie down in green pastures; he leads me beside still waters; he restores my soul.” “Be still before the Lord, and wait patiently for him.” And in Exodus, God said, “My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.”
Waiting With Him
If God needed to rest, so do we! A mind shift on the art of waiting is something to consider. What if the next time we are ‘stuck’ waiting, instead of stressing about getting through the waiting and onto the following item on the agenda, we accept the invitation to rest?
The Lord is waiting for us so that we can rest with Him—and in that rest, as we quiet our mind and still our body, we might hear His voice, feel His presence, soak in His peace, and find the inspiration we’ve been waiting for.
Reflection
- How do you typically respond when you find yourself waiting?
- What areas of your life feel “on hold” right now?
- How might God be inviting you to rest?
- What does “rest” look like for you—physically, emotionally, and spiritually?
7 Responses
Good one Leslie – this waiting thing may be my spiritual kryptonite. A constant battle of dealing with the unknown future. Traffic, delayed airplane flights, really things that I have not controlled the outcome. The worst is when I am in some kind of pain – both physical but also spiritually. I try my hardest to get out of that which is code for me to be back in control. I think the rest you are talking about (at least to me), is the peace that comes from knowing that God is in control and that all things will work according to his will. If and when I can reach that state of mind, it is rest.
Love this Mark, “spiritual kryptonite!” I may have to use this phrase in an upcoming blog. Doesn’t it seem like everything boils down to trusting in God? I guess if we didn’t have to trust Him, we wouldn’t need Him. His Shalom peace is ours to have, if only we’d let go. Sounds easy, enough. You are so right, rest is the fruit of knowing we’ve let go. Thanks for your insights!
Leslie,
You have presented an inspirational and insightful blog ! So true in our worldy nature as sojourners, we need rest as we travel on this journey toward our heavenly reward! Thank you!
Thank you, Annette. I appreciate the support. The more I contemplate this theme the more I know the Lord wants us to rest in His peace, after all He is the Prince of Peace!
During the times of inactivity my mind begins to race. I fill a strong urge to fill it with something and have found myself going to games on my phone the faster they are the more I lose myself in them. But I don’t find satisfaction there. I’m still restless. I recently read the words of a saint, I think it was from St Augustine, “I am restless until I rest in You.” What wise words. Now I’m working on changing my choices. Instead of solitaire I start to say prayers, reflect on scripture or read a devotion or a blog. It’s then that love and peace settles in my heart and soul as God fills me with his presence.
Beautiful, Karen! Thanks for sharing your heart and what you are being inspired to do. It helps us all!
If waiting leads me to rest and rest enfolds me in silence then God’s message to me should become clearer – were I to allow the sequence….Thanks Leslie!