“For the Lord God is a sun and shield; The Lord gives grace and glory; No good thing does He withhold from those who walk uprightly.” Psalm 84:11

This verse jumped out at me during my quiet time yesterday. When it comes to my writing, it’s so easy for me to believe that God is withholding good things from me.

I think every writer struggles with this.  I mean, what could be better than a book contract? Isn’t God withholding something good when He allows us to go through round after round of rejection?

And then there is the question of timing. God may indeed be planning to provide that coveted contract, but why must it be so long in coming?

It’s easy for my heart to agree with the enemy’s lie that, “God is holding out on you!” That’s really the same lie he’s been telling humanity since Eden. The Serpent deceived Adam and Eve into believing that the forbidden fruit was something they couldn’t live without. In truth, it was something that would destroy their souls.

If I am going to believe that God doesn’t withhold good things from His children, I have to reframe my thinking when it comes to His time-table. I have to regard the things about which He has said, “Not yet,” as fruit that isn’t quite ripe. One day it may be a good thing, and at that point God will say, “Yes.” Until that time, I need to agree with Him that what I desire is not yet among the many good things that He desires for me.

I must learn to trust in the character of God. He is not miserly or stingy. He is generous and He offers abundant life. And a deeper trust in Him may very well be one of the good things He wants to build into my heart through the seasons of waiting.