Being made in the image of your Creator, you have been endowed with certain creative gifts. What a blessing it is to cultivate and use the gifts in ways that bear good fruit and glorify God. For that matter, it’s good to ask God to direct your thoughts and hands and invoke His grace upon you in employing your creative gifts.
RELEVANCE
David was sensitive to God’s work in and through him. He understood that God invites us to participate in His works, and gives us the grace to steward the gifts He has given us to accomplish His purposes. “You have made him to have dominion over the works of Your hands” (Psalm 8:6).
As he gathered materials and prepared the building plans for the temple, 1 Chronicles 28:19 records David declaring “the LORD made me understand in writing, by His hand upon me, all the works of these plans.” He likewise recognized the areas of gifting in others, and advised his son Solomon that “every willing craftsman will be with you for all manner of workmanship, for every kind of service…”
REFLECT AND RELATE
What creative gifts and abilities has God given to you?
How are you cultivating them?
We cultivate our God-given gifts as we are presented with various projects, service opportunities and problems needing solutions. As you approach opportunities, be broad in how you view the situation.
Try not to confine your thinking. Gracefully challenge others who reject or negatively criticize your ideas. Look beyond the immediate resources or constraints. See how you can expand the definition or boundaries of the opportunity. Look for options. Don’t over-rationalize. Allow your imagination to soar.
Jot down your big ideas as well as fleeting thoughts. Stare at your notes and drawings every now and then. Visualize possible outcomes. Trust your instincts. Pray and ask God for His wisdom and the counsel of His will.
REFERENCES
Psalm 33:13-15; 40:1-6; 66:5; 73:28; 104:24; Isaiah 11:2