I hear it all the time: “So many things are vying for my time. How do I decide, and how do I do it all and still write??” Many of us struggle to know what we should be doing with our time. And there are so many things we can do, most of which seem right and noble and even godly, and many of which take time away from being able to do this task of writing. Before you decide where to spend your time, put it to the God test. Ask Him to give you wisdom and discernment as you decide how you should spend your time. Consider God’s Truth for:

Writers’ Obstacle #1: Being Too Busy

Proverbs 2:1-2–My son, if you accept my words and store up my commands within you, turning your ear to wisdom and applying your heart to understanding—indeed, if you call out for insight and cry aloud for understanding, and if you look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure, then you will…and find the knowledge of God. For the Lord gives wisdom.

Proverbs 16:2-4—All of a person’s ways seem pure to them, but motives are weighed by the Lord. Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans. The Lord works out everything to its proper end.

Psalm 90:12–Teach us to realize the brevity of life, so that we may grow in wisdom.

Micah 6:6-8–With what shall I come before the Lord and bow before the exalted God? Shall I come before Him with burnt offerings, with calves a year old? Will the Lord be pleased with 1000 rams, with 10,000 rivers of oil? Shall I offer my firstborn for my transgressions, the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul? He has shown you, O man, what is good. What does the Lord require of you? To act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.

Romans 12:2–Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

Ephesians 5:16-17–So be careful how you live. Don’t live like fools, but like those who are wise. Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days. Don’t act thoughtlessly, but understand what the Lord wants you to do.

Please, share any other Scriptures that have helped you with this obstacle. And I encourage you to not just read these truths, but to study on them. To ask God to use them to guide and free you as you consider how to prioritize your time and involvements. He’s promised to give you exactly that if you ask.