WARNING: Toxic to Writers

My youngest son is on a live-off-the-land kick. He’s cutting timber to build a wickiup, filtering his own water, and most interesting of all--to him--trapping and cooking his own kill and gathering his own greens to accompany the feast. But those greens are tricky. Which ones are toxic? It matters.

And that got me wondering: what’s out there that poisons writers and their writing? Here’s a deadly sampling to beware





Pride
Self-centeredness
Discontent
Disconnectedness
Laziness
Lethargy
Ignorance
Comparison
Fear
Discouragement
Despair

I've tasted them all but find Psalm 90 a potent antidote that not only clears my thinking but also orders my loves.

Lord, you have been our dwelling place in all generations (v. 1).

From everlasting to everlasting you are God (v. 2).

For a thousand years in your sight are but as yesterday when it is past,
or as a watch in the night (v. 4).

You have set our iniquities before you,
our secret sins in the light of your presence (v. 8).

Who considers the power of your anger,
and your wrath according to the fear of you? (v. 11).

So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom (v. 12).

Satisfy us in the morning with your steadfast love,
that we may rejoice and be glad all of our days.
Make us glad for as many days as you have afflicted us,
and for as many years as we have seen evil.
Let your work be shown to your servants,
and your glorious power to their children.
Let the favor of the Lord our God be upon us,
and establish the work of our hands upon us;
yes, establish the work of our hands! (vv. 14-17).

All references from the ESV.