Word Searches and Visions: The Creative Process

     Today, I am working on a word search called "Create Your Visions." It's from a Bob Ross coloring and activity book for adults.  Some words in it are "inspire, creation, creativity, imagine, dream, vision." The term, "desire," is not, however, one of those words. Nevertheless, desire is at the heart of the creative process. We desire to inspire others. We want to create. Our dreams flow from our hearts.  So desire is the foundation for the creative process. The words, "inspire, dream, imagine, etc" follow from our internal desires.  

    As I thought about what it means to be a creative person, Psalm 37 came to mind. Psalm 37:4 is a call to dream and vision alongside God. The psalmist proclaims, "Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart." 

    In our culture, we often think that God does not want us to desire. Perhaps this misconception of God stems from the prevalence of Eastern philosophy in American culture. Buddhist philosophy for example designates desire as the root cause of suffering. We are only truly free according to this philosophy when we cease desiring. To desire is to do something bad itself.

    However, we Christians might also be so attuned to fleeing from sinful desires, that we forget that there is nothing wrong with desire in itself. It's what we do with desire that is wrong.

    Psalm 37, warns us of the sinful desires that lead to destruction, but it also stresses that if we commit our way to God, godly visions come true. God gives us the desires of our hearts (Psalm 37:5-6, 23-24, 34). Thus, the choice of any artist is to allow God to work in one's heart. To allow him to give the artist the vision, and commitment to live that vision out. 

    




     A few years ago, God gave me the above vision. It came after reflecting on the Holy Trinity. God himself is a creative God. His Trinitarian activity can be seen and felt in this world. His Holy Spirit is here making things new.  So the little beads in the piece represent the believers. We are drawn into the life of God so that we are participants in the Holy Spirit in this world (John 14:12-20).

    Consider these questions: What does your heart desire? Is this desire from God? When a desire is from God, it will be compatible with the Bible. What vision is your desire prompting you to live out? How can you commit yourself to living out God's vision for your life? What are some steps you can take to be who God called you to be?


Blessings in Christ,

Jane Shoemaker

  

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