I grimaced at my son’s medication list.
Ibuprofen 3:00 am
Tylenol 12:30 pm
Benadryl 2:15 pm
All of my plans halted. My son had hand-foot-and-mouth, and my husband was scheduled for appendix surgery. I was 27 weeks pregnant and getting sleepier each day, but I had a choice: Should I spend time with my son, do my quiet time, or grab another snack? Although I had things to do, I scrolled through social media feeling more and more defeated. My heart dropped seeing the joys of others while I felt stuck caring for others. But after scrolling and becoming more discontent, I paused.
I was reminded of the Psalms and David’s attitude through hard times. As I read through the Psalms, I saw questions, cries, and answers. Psalms like 121:1-2,
I lift up my eyes to the hills.
From where does my help come?
My help comes from the Lord,
who made heaven and earth.
Even in our distress, we can create prayers and offerings to God. When we’re downcast, we can create instead of consume. We can create time with God, our Maker, instead of numbing our pain. Faith and creativity is an opportunity to demonstrate Christ’s power in making and sustaining us. Creativity reflects our Creator, provides an opportunity for gratitude, and gives glory to God.
1. Creating Reflects the Creator
Creativity can point back to our Maker because he’s the perfect Creator. In the beginning, God created the perfect home with perfect humans. Although they disobeyed God’s plan, God still provided a way for people to connect with him.
For instance, in Genesis 6, we see the story of Noah. He was a righteous and obedient man. When God gave Noah directions, he listened and “did all that God commanded him” (Gen 6:22). Noah didn’t have to build the ark, God could’ve provided a finished work, yet God allowed Noah to use it for an opportunity. Noah followed God’s orders to a tee, reflecting the orderly nature of God in a chaotic world (1 Cor 14:33).
2. We’re a New Creation
Not only did God create the world, but he also offered to make us new creations when we believe in him. He offers to clean our sinful and broken state, and give us new identities and purposes. “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come” (2 Cor 5:17). Now, we can create for his glory. Even our testimonies are a masterpiece of God’s graciousness.
Additionally, Paul reminds us we’re “His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them” (Eph 2:10).
We may not be called to build an ark, but God calls us each to do good work, whether loving our families, serving our communities, or working for companies.
3. Creativity for an Audience of One
Can you imagine building a massive ark? What was Noah thinking, and did he doubt God’s call? What were his neighbors thinking? Perhaps there will be times when God asks us to create something unbelievable, yet it opens an opportunity to answer questions like: What are you making? Or, why are you making it? Our creative works can point back to God.
Creating in the Margins
Although creativity is a good thing, it can be hard to carve out time at the end of a long day. But we can use our margins to glorify him. Whether it’s creating for the Lord, our families, or our church body. Whether it’s creating a massive project or a quick prayer between events. As Ashlee Gadd says in her book Create Anyway, “God filled the world with good things and calls us to do the same—to showcase hope, light, beauty, and restoration as part of the ongoing process of God’s glory infusing the earth.”
As I sit here on the couch, plans canceled, and expectations dashed, I realize I have an opportunity. I can create or I can consume. I can create memories with my family or scroll through false expectations. When I’m overwhelmed, writing allows me to process my thoughts and discern between chaos and truth. I can throw my worries out on paper and create beauty from mayhem.
God can use whatever we have, in whatever season we’re in. Even if no one else is listening. Even if the world is falling apart, or when we’re feeling sad. We can trust God to use our creations to glorify him and build his kingdom.
Reflection & Application
Do you make intentional choices about what you create and consume?
How can you use your creativity to bless others? Is there someone who can keep you accountable with your time?
Read the story of Noah: what can we learn from his example?
Read Psalm 121: how does the psalmist respond to calamity?
How can you create in the margins?
Photo Credit: Hosanna Revival
Grace Thomas is a Christ-follower, wife, and mother. When she’s not playing with her son, she serves at her church, and enjoys living in sunny California. Her writing has been featured on Risen Motherhood & Momma Theologian. You can connect with her on her blog, Instagram, or email.
