The Unholy Power of Discouragement

The Unholy Power of Discouragement
Wednesday, February 26, 2025 by Susan Lyttek

Over the last couple of weeks, because of a marketing effort I joined, I gathered over two hundred new subscribers.

But then, when I welcomed the new group, I heard from one person. And a sizable number unsubscribed almost immediately.

Later that week, I found a mistake in one my books—a horrifying, jolting mistake that knocked me out of the story as I read it. Thankfully, my editor and publisher were able to rectify it. But I had to get past my pity party to reach out to them first.

Then I read the writing plans I had set for January and realized I hadn’t finished even a quarter of them. And February is almost over.

Three strikes, I’m out.

My emotions from those incidents combined with the nightmares and sleeplessness that I’ve been dealing with lately pummeled me with a series of waves that made me want to curl up in a corner and hide. Why was I even trying this writing thing? What good did it do?

I’ve heard pastors and teachers say on multiple occasions that discouragement is Satan’s best tool. I’ve also read that in various Christian books and devotionals. But beyond that, I recognize its power when I find myself succumbing to it yet again.

Then, I read my own words, in story form, and they scold me.

“Are you defeated? Did I tell you to stop fighting? Did I tell you that the battle was over? Until you walk with me in my kingdom, the battle will not end. Be strong. Fortify yourself in my will. Because one day, with me, you will reign victorious.” A prophecy of Tel by King Evad the Mighty (the ‘historical’ introduction to chapter 4 of Outside of Space and Time)

As a writer, I throw myself out there all the time. That part is okay, even for the introvert that I am, because I really want to help others. If prayer leads to an insight, I want to share it. If Bible study shows me a connection between passages of Scripture and it blows my mind, I want you (the collective you) to know about it.

And, I love to imagine and tell stories. Even if I never sent my stories in to try to get them published, I would still write them. I can’t help it. Whenever I try to stop, try to cut out that “useless” part of who I am, a writer in a largely non-reading world, I become miserable and incomplete. It’s like what the prophet Jeremiah said in chapter 20 of the book named after him, Then I said, “I will not make mention of Him, nor speak anymore in His name.” But His word was in my heart like a burning fire shut up in my bones; I was weary of holding it back, and I could not. And while I’m not a prophet, nor am I speaking His word, stopping myself from writing and telling stories basically says to God, “I don’t like how You made me.”

It's crazy that when I’m discouraged, the more I try to stop the flow of stories and ideas, the more persistent the flow. It’s like trying to put my hands over the tub’s faucet to stop the water. It only takes a moment or two before it’s splashing everywhere.

Once an interviewer asked where I got my ideas, particularly for fiction. I seem to remember it being one of the two times I was interviewed for a radio show.

“Breathing,” I answered with a laugh.

If you came to my house, I could show you the bins and the drawers full of notebooks covered in my scribble. (For today’s art, I dumped one such bin on the dining room table.) Most of the thoughts and ideas within them have never been turned into a full-fledged story, poem, or blog. But they’ve still been written down. In order to follow-through on all that is within them and all that has been started as a computer doc, I need to live to at least 200.

And I guess, when the discouragement wants to drown me, I can mentally hold them up before the flood. When Satan asks, “You call yourself a writer?” I can answer, “I might not. But these filled books tell me that my God does.”

Last week, I started a contest of sorts for new comments on my blog. The prize is an e-copy of any of my books available on Amazon. I said there, that it would be through March 5th, but I’m changing that parameter. It will continue until there are 20 new comments or the end of March, whichever comes first. You need not comment on the recent blogs. If an earlier one inspires you, go for it!

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Comments

Teri From Monroe, GA At 3/2/2025 10:00:43 PM

Thank you for your honesty and vulnerability. Though I'm not "fixed", I went through a terrible time of self-doubt, insecurity, and anxiety... I was broken. God lifted me from that time, using my wonderful husband, and of course His voice over the voice of the enemy. I pray that you will flourish!

Reply by: Susan Lyttek

I pray the same for you!

Heidi Morrell From Iowa At 2/28/2025 8:29:23 AM

2 Thessalonians 3:13 immediately came to mind: "As for you, brothers, do not grow weary in doing good." My husband reminded me of this when I was overwhelmed w/cooking meals day after day. He told me my efforts did matter, & so did I. Nowadays, our young adult daughters ?? 2 cook & bake. Thankful!

Reply by: Susan Lyttek

It is so easy to become weary, isn't it?

Kathryn H From NOVA At 2/27/2025 5:24:08 AM

Hi, Dearest Susan! Thank you for being so open and for not giving up! I love how I can hear your voice when I read your books, and especially how they honor our GOD! It is never easy to have great talent on this sinful Earth- one always feels limited. One Sweet day, all bounds will be lifted! Hugs!

Reply by: Susan Lyttek

Aww... thank you

Ann From Lorton At 2/26/2025 5:20:15 PM

Thanks for your transparency! I find that no matter how much is going well in my world, it just takes a tiny thing to steal my joy. I enjoy every blog you write...and so often they hit me where I need it!

Dave Tazelaar From Meridian, Idaho is At 2/26/2025 4:28:43 PM

Susan, so many are introspective, whether writers or other fields. Living in Tijuana the discouragement of never making a difference in the very needy city often attacked me. Even to the point of depression. But the loving Lord often reminded me that there were a few who had been changed by Him.

M. Jean Pike From Ohio At 2/26/2025 10:40:30 AM

I can so relate to this post, Susan. The discouragement -- I get it. But you have been blessed with a great talent and I know God is pleased with how you are using it.