I’ve just closed a Word doc, a summary I was attempting to write for a client who hired me to edit his manuscript—to offer my insights, to guide with suggested changes, to teach by crafting examples. But as I participated in the familiar write-and-delete dance, reality hit: I was stuck.

Writer’s block?

Apparently.

When I find myself blocked, stymied, frustrated, and ready to drop-kick my laptop, I know it’s time to close the document, even when a deadline looms. Taking a break will likely yield more words at a later time than continuing to stare at the screen will yield in the moment.

Although learning certain tricks may help a writer overcome writer’s block, more important perhaps, is learning how to prevent writer’s block. Throughout the ages, writers have suffered from writer’s block, unable to get words to appear on the page—and have offered their hard-earned advice. Some writers extol plotting methods that ensure you sit down at the keyboard with a plan. Others advise finding an accountability partner who will nudge as needed.

My own methods of preventing writer’s block are holistic in nature. Care for your mind, body, and soul. Eat well, sleep well, pray without ceasing. And the words will flow.

Most of the time.

But other times, life impedes.

The doorbell rings, the dog barks, the baby cries. A pandemic strikes, racial unrest continues, wars rage, and headlines distract. We find ourselves wide-eyed at 3 a.m. and bleary-eyed by 9 a.m. With our creativity blocked, our words come to a halt.

Then what?

Then we surrender.

Surrendering isn’t waving the white flag. It isn’t giving up.

It’s giving over.

When we surrender, we hand the project to the One—to the Word—and trust His provision, His timing, and His ways.

Surrendering doesn’t guarantee the words will cooperate or that the deadline will be met.

Instead, surrendering acknowledges our belief in the Sovereign Savior—and in His plan for our words.

Surrendering means we accept the outcome, whatever that may be.

Because we trust the Author of the outcome.

Write. Surrender. Trust.