WRITING
gOD IN EVERYTHING
“For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse.” (Romans 1:20)
My intention here is to extend encouragement to my fellow creative, who in darker days, struggles to hold on to the motivation to create.
As we are in Christ, we have the joy of seeing Christ in all good things. He is in the thundering sky and in the gloss of a stone. He is in the sinew between bones and in the glow of the sun. He is in the veins of a leaf and in the sound of a sigh.
Those darker days can be distracting. We can forget the creator of rain as we struggle to escape our gray clouds. And as heaviness knocks on the door, we can forget the lightness of the Lord’s yoke. As a creative, and more importantly as a child of God, it is important to remember Christ in all his glory as the one through whom all things were made. This is a rich comfort.
The Lord is the greatest creator that always was and always will be. How incredible it is that in bearing His image, we can also participate in the divinely phenomenal act of creating. Of course, we cannot create as our Father did, with words alone, making good out of nothing; but we can continuously entwine ourselves in His goodness by beholding the materials and sounds he’s gifted us with.
We are not our own source, and in the humble acceptance of this truth, we are free to draw from the never ending well of Christ. We are free to pray, strive, challenge, innovate, and rest in a peaceful expression of creativity because our Creator is our source and refuge.
Friend, may you remember that the rightful place of your identity is in Christ, not in your creation or craft. May your rest be sweet and your work be anchored in joy and truth.
A dinner party
On occasion I’d glance across the room In hopes of finding a better thing Than the thinning napkin in my hand I’ve heard it said That loneliness loves crowded rooms But now I’ve felt it I’ve heard it said That God so loved the world But does that include me? I have more questions and pains Than comforting answers The noise in here seems to grow louder I fear I’m fading away Just like my little napkin Before this evening ends I’d like to know if this piercing love is for me I’ve folded my hands tightly And have begun to whisper a prayer Still glancing across the room In hopes that no one notices my despair
THE PULSING DRUM
As a child, my introduction to music was of the formal kind. Learning the violin was a routine exercise for a student being shaped for some arbitrary notion of greatness. For me, excelling in reading sheet music, playing second chair, and rehearsing at home was wrapped up in being impressive to my parents.
It wasn’t until 7 years after packing away my violin, that I began exploring music as an individual. Fast forward another 8 years, and I’m now exploring music as a Christian for the first time.
It has been interesting to reflect on my relationship with music, which fluttered between impassioned and frustrated. My first foray with music was tainted with the desire to prove my value, and nearly two decades later, God has introduced me to a freer way of making and playing.
I’m not sure exactly when or how it happened, but one day, long before I knew the Lord, music slipped into my bones. I was fascinated by it, enthralled by what it could symbolize, ignited by how it could move and enchant, seduced by how it could be a vehicle for finding my own glory.
Understanding music now as a beautiful way to worship and praise the Lord is such a far cry from what I used to understand and from who I used to be; it is a striking reminder of my gifted salvation.
One of my greatest inspirations is King David. As a singer/songwriter, learning of his passion and love for the Lord and music inspired intensity within me. Singers leading armies into battle? Trumpeters and lyre players in the temple all day and all night? The mystery around how intrinsic a role music played in worshipping the Lord grasps me every time.
As I grow in my faith, I look forward to praying more and creating with the Holy Spirit, who has been so faithful and has taught me so much already.
In joy, I think of Psalm 5:11-12:
But let all who take refuge in you rejoice;
let them ever sing for joy,
and spread your protection over them,
that those who love your name may exult in you.
For you bless the righteous, O Lord;
you cover him with favor as with a shield.
Goodnight
In the quiet night I sink into my bed Thinking of my Lord Who saved me From a tragedy’s end Eternal life is now part of me My eyes look much different And my smile has changed I love my Father His love for me is true Even in the face of my flaws He welcomes me home This is a love I had never known My rest is sweet