Some paintings appear so realistic, we can mistake them for photographs:
Painting by Simon Luttichuys, 1650
And while studying the fine brush strokes, the accuracy of color, proportion, and shading, we wonder, How can someone paint like that?
Architecture can stir up the same awe in our hearts. Gloucester Cathedral in England offers a fine example:
The foundation was laid in 1089, and forty-one years later the builders completed the main structure. Its fan-vaulting is a marvel of architecture; its Great East Window is the size of a tennis court.
Other forms of artistic genius can bring us to tears, like a soul-stirring song or a writer’s words that surprise us by their beauty or wisdom.
Some of you have devoted yourselves to training and practiced for hours in order to achieve expertise in one or more of these fields. Others of us have to make do with amateur efforts.
But there’s one dimension where we can all participate with glorious results—as artists of the soul. Scripture provides a few guidelines for us, as we consider the strengths of the masters in each of the above pursuits. For example:
The perceptive artist sees differently.
Just as an artist sees more than most of us—the subtleties of detail, color, light, and contour—the enlightened heart sees all the nuances of hope that God supplies–for positive change, answers to prayer, better tomorrows, and eternal life.
In addition, hope splashes the colors of joy into our souls and casts light into every corner.
The skilled architect builds solidly.
The requirements for a stable structure include a firm foundation on rock, sturdy walls, and a reliable roof.
A soul that is stable and secure for eternity must include the same entities: a firm foundation of faith on our Rock, Jesus Christ, sturdy walls of certainty in God’s truth, and reliable protection over us in the storms of life [1].
The effective writer communicates plainly.
All writers seek to tell their story or share their message with clarity; all of us who follow Jesus should desire to communicate clearly our love and trustworthiness.
But how we express these traits may vary–especially when it comes to love–just as authors’ writing-styles can differ.
For example, you may know a person who exhibits warmheartedness toward others with his cheerfulness and infectious laugh, someone else by listening and empathizing, and still another by lending a hand wherever needed.
But no matter our style, love (and integrity) are what we’re called to communicate [2].
The proficient vocalist and instrumentalist express passion.
Those who really know how to express music bring more to their performance than perfected technique. They sing or play from their hearts and artfully communicate the emotion of the piece.
In Psalm 147:7 above, we’re told our music before God should communicate grateful praise. And genuine gratitude sparks passion. We’d do well to remember our audience also:
“Sing [or play] as if performing for a King.
You are.”
Unknown
Even as we strive to honor God, a small miracle unfolds within us: the music washes away from our souls the dust of everyday life [3].
So, as an artist of the soul, what form will your worship take today? Will you:
- Determine to splash the colors of joy in your spirit with the nuances of hope?
- Add more bricks of faith from God’s Word, to increase your stability?
- Communicate love and faithfulness to those around you?
- Sing or play your grateful praise to God your King—with passion? (Remember, he won’t mind a bit if it’s not perfect.)
Let’s make today a work of art for him!
[1] 1 Corinthians 3:11; Psalm 91:2; Psalm 5:11.
[2] John 13:35; Proverbs 4:26 NIV
[3] Based on a Berthold Auerbach quote
Art & photo credits: http://www.commons.wikimedia.org; http://www.pxhere.com; http://www.commons.wikimedia.org (2); http://www.wallpaperflare.com; http://www.pxfuel.com; http://www.canva.com; http://www.peakpx.com; http://www.commonswikimedia.org.
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I so love this post, Nancy! I believe it was author Dorothy Sayers who said (and I paraphrase): We are most like the Creator when we create.
I couldn’t agree more! Thanks for touching here on so many arts that humans engage in to the good of our souls and spirits.
Blessings!
Thank you, Martha. God has indeed blessed us with many ways to express our love and adoration for him!
This post is delightful! Brought a smile to my face. One of the most amazing attributes of His nature that He has shared with us is creativity. I love your reflections on how this plays out in our lives 😊
I agree, Jennifer–our spirits become invigorated by creativity. I’m so thankful God has endowed us with this attribute! The variety of ways it plays out in our lives adds to its pleasure.
So delightfully true! Some of the very best hours of my week are when I get to let the creativity He has put inside of me flow. One way is through coloring as I listen to worship music and pray. Apparently so simple, but it brings me so much enjoyment, putting colors together.
I picked up the hobby of coloring during Covid! Every now and then I still pull out the colored pencils–even when the granddaughters aren’t here. It is a simple, non-messy(!) way to refresh the spirit! Love your idea of adding worship music and prayer.
You’ve touched upon the different artistic genres in a way that is sure to stir up a more intense appreciation of the gifts God has given us and others. Your five bullet points asking what form will our worship take today were thought-provoking and refreshing suggestions. Thanks, Nancy!
You’re welcome, Nancy. So glad you found this post meaningful!
Oh Nancy, what a delight to hit publish on my post and have your post pop up! I’m not sure how that happened but what a gift! Thank you, just thank you for these beautiful words amd message.
That IS an interesting coincidence! I’m so glad you found beauty here, Deborah. Praise God for his inspiration!
ahhh you have given me beauty and wisdom today!
Hallelujah for that, Jean!
Very encouraging post Nancy, thank you! We are artists who get to creatively express God’s love to those around us because He is creative and He lives in us.
Amen, Dawn. You’re right–even our “creative” thoughts and ideas come from our Heavenly Father!
Great post, my friend. The great God of the universe chose us to express Himself. What an honor
Amen, Brenda. God is so gracious to appoint us as his ambassadors. A precious honor indeed!
Dear Nancy, I love the way you’ve put it, ‘the enlightened heart.’ An apt description on so many levels for who He’s shaped us to be.
Indeed, God’s enlightenment (wisdom) does shape us–into useful, pleasing works that bring him honor and bring us fulfillment! That you for sharing your insight, Linda.
What amazing and beautiful thoughts, Nancy! That I can be an artist of this soul that God has given me, and thereby bring Him honor, is truly astounding. He has given us the tools. Thank you for this tonight, Nancy.
Thank you, Patty. Couldn’t agree with you more: it IS an astounding privilege to bring God honor, as an artist of the soul!
The truth of this insight is so encouraging Nancy. I have always wanted to give the Holy Spirit something to work with hoping for those fruits to look decent and inviting in my life…
Your own blog posts indicate that you ARE producing beautiful fruit, Gary. Just recently you shared about your camping trip, how you experience God in the great outdoors and how you minister to one another through the deep conversations that occur. That’s fruit production right there!
Thank You Nancy.
I love the thought of my life being an expression of God’s workmanship. And I love the reminder that we do not have to be perfect in order to bring glory to God.
That last statement of yours, Barb, is something I too especially appreciate. How gracious our Father is!
I’m a little distracted by the tennis match on that Great East Window, Nancy 🙂 Seriously, I love how “artists of our souls” literally places the brushes, instruments, words, or whatever you so choose into your own hands, and how God intends each of our “works” to be unique and imperfect. Suddenly being an “artist” doesn’t sound so intimidating after all!
Creativity, variety, individuality–three lovely gifts (among many) from our Heavenly Father, all contributing to the joy of our souls! P.S. Visualizing an actual tennis match on that window IS disconcerting!
This is such a beautiful post and so very inspiring. I will return to this again…your words sing an awesome song of faith and love for all of us to hear.
Thank you, Linda. Praise God you found beauty and inspiration here!
It takes creativity to be an artist of any kind in this world. I never have been creative which is why I majored in mathematics. But I am encouraged after reading this blog and Dawn’s comment “We are artists who get to creatively express God’s love to those around us because He is creative and He lives in us.” I may not ever be creative in the sense of writing or painting but I realize that I have shown love in a myriad number of creative ways by trying to be the kind of light that shows others the way to salvation. And when I get to heaven I believe that the Lord will shower me with creativity! I want to paint the beauty of heaven to honor Him.
Yes, you HAVE shown God’s love in numerous creative ways, drawing people to our Heavenly Father. / ‘Love the second point you made also. No doubt our capacity for creativity will increase when we get to heaven. And we’ll have all eternity to pursue new forms–another exciting possibility to anticipate. Thank you, Cheri!
Nancy,
Everything is beautiful in its time. Thank you,
Gary
Indeed, King Solomon was right!
Yes. I wonder if that means plain and ordinary blooms too??
Is there such a thing?!
Wouldn’t it be nice?
I was thinking along the lines of our value in God’s eyes. To him NO one is common or ordinary, indicated by the price he willingly paid for each of our souls. I’m also thinking your thoughts must have taken you in a different direction!
Amen. What I meant was when the Lord is working the ordinary and commonplace bloom.
Thanks, Gary
Ah, yes–and you’re absolutely right. Hallelujah for that truth!