Psalm 27 for Writers

As it is with many writers, so also it is frustrating to me to keep receiving rejection letters for manuscripts I’ve submitted. I felt akin to Snoopy who sat on

 his cartoon doghouse typing a letter back to an editor saying the

 rejection letter didn’t meet his (Snoopy’s) needs, In this frame of

mind, I happened one day to read Psalm 27. As always, I try to apply

the scripture to my life and use it in a prayer. This is what came out,

(note especially the last three lines:

Psalm 27 for Writers   

“The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear?

The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?”

When rejection slips assail me, uttering slanders against me,

those adversaries and foes shall be pinned to the wall.

Though a host of editors shall encamp against me, my heart shall not fear.

Though they all tell me my work is not suitable for their needs, yet I will be confident.

“One thing have I asked of the Lord, that will I seek after;

that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life,

to behold the beauty of the Lord”

who accepts me whether my writings are rejected or not,

and to inquire why he gave me the dream of being a writer.

For he will shelter me from discouragement and lift up my spirits.

I will rejoice in spite of rejections and sing praise to him.

For I seek the Lord’s will, and he will teach me how to write.

I believe I shall see his goodness as he establishes me as one of his spokesmen.

                                                         —Judith Vander Wege