Category: Discernment

Discernment/

Invite God into Your Creative Process with These Genius Ideas

One of my favorite places to find creative inspo is Hobby Lobby. I like looking at home decor, and you can spend hours walking past all the pretty signs, fluffy pillows, and seasonal decorations. Now, while I love getting ideas from walking those aisles, I know that actual creative inspiration comes from spending time with the Master Creator Himself. The best ideas aren’t hiding between the metal wall art and wooden signs that say “blessed.” They come from inviting God into your creative process through prayer, listening, and following His guidance.

Biblical Examples of God-Led Creativity

When you think of bringing God into your creative process, you don’t necessarily have to wonder what that looks like. The Bible tells us about some pretty amazing artists and builders who partnered with God in their work. For example, there was Bezalel (Exodus 31:1-5).

God picked him to build a special tent church and filled him “with the Spirit of God, with wisdom, understanding, and ability in all kinds of crafts.” He could work with metal, carve wood, and make beautiful designs. This shows you that when you invite God into our creative work, He gives you the wisdom and skills you need. God gave Bezalel these talents, just like He gave YOU special gifts to use for His glory!

And then there’s Noah. In Genesis 6:14-16, God gave him super detailed instructions to build a huge boat…right down to the exact measurements and materials! He didn’t have any how-to videos to watch or pictures to look at. He just trusted that God would help him do it right. Noah’s story reminds us that sometimes God will give you specific direction for your creative work, you simply need to listen and follow His guidance. A lot of people in business can scroll Instagram or TikTok for hours looking for the perfect creative idea, where all along they should be hearing from God. Afterall, he literally invented creativity! Don’t let lies block you from hearing God’s guidance. 

A lot of people in business can scroll Instagram or TikTok for hours looking for the perfect creative idea, where all along they should be hearing from God. Afterall, he literally invented creativity. 

Start a Creative Prayer Journal

I’ve always loved journaling. So, without a doubt I think a creative prayer journal would be a great way to help you connect with God during your creative process. Of course, it doesn’t need to be fancy (although I love a cute journal or notebook from Target!). It’s a simple place where you can write down prayers about your projects, thank God for new ideas, and write down inspiration that comes during random times or when you set aside some quiet time. When you keep a record like this, you can look back and see how God has guided you as a creative.

Worship Through Your Work

You know what’s beautiful about being a creative? Every single thing you make can be an act of worship. Think about David…He didn’t simply write Psalms. He poured his whole heart into them as offerings to God. So, it doesn’t matter if you’re designing a logo, picking out home decor, or planning content for your business, it all can glorify Him!

Making Space for God in Your Daily Routine

Before you start working, take a few minutes to pray and thank God for making you creative. It will get your heart ready to make something amazing!

Put on some worship music while you work. Music makes everything better, right? I play my favorite worship songs while I’m creating, and it totally changes how I feel about my work. And when we’re stuck, don’t grab your phone to check social media. Instead, go for a short prayer walk. Five minutes of walking and talking with God can help you overcome feeling stuck and open you up to fresh inspiration.

I want you to know that God cares about ALL the little details. You don’t have to only pray about the big stuff. You can talk to Him about everything from choosing colors to writing emails. Some people may think it’s silly, but I’ve found such peace in including Him in the smallest decisions.

Simple Reminders for a Spirit-Led Creative Life

I have a couple of sticky notes on my desk that keeps me motivated. One of them says “Don’t forget to pray, show gratitude, and stay focused.” It’s interesting how three little reminders can help so much! When I look at that note during my busy day, it helps me to keep calm and remember what’s actually important. Sometimes you need simple reminders to help you do your best work. Building faith-fueled habits can keep you grounded in God’s guidance and purpose.

Try This Today!

  • Write your own reminder note (you can use my words if you want!)
  • Put a reminder on your phone to pray during your work time
  • Start a Creative Prayer Journal to track your journey with God
  • Pick one small creative decision today and talk to God about it

And don’t forget, you’re far from being someone who simply makes things. You’re making things with God…the One who made everything!

Sign Up for Letters for The Virtuous Creative

Each Tuesday, I share my behind-the-scenes stories about faith, entrepreneurship, and self-care. I write these to uplift and edify you, so you can boldly show up in life and business. Join 900+ Christian women creatives! (And I promise it’s not another stuffy newsletter that offering “exclusive updates” 😉) Click here now to sign up for these letters. 

Discernment/

Protecting Your Vision

Every year I look forward to creating my own vision board and even attending vision board parties if there are any. Those can be so much fun and enlightening to say the least. One year, I attended one of those parties. I was so excited to share with a small group of like-minded women of my short-term/long-term goals and hopes.

When it was my turn to share, you can tell the excitement of how big I smiled. I was so hopeful. You just had to be there.

After sharing with them my vision board, unexpectedly, I got a laugh and a scuff. Two reactions I did not see coming. I was told I was unrealistic, and my focus should be about my husband. Here is my disclaimer before I go any further. I love being married. My goals would include the one I love and those who mean so much to me. My goals also are about how I can obtain the purpose God has given to me. No paper or poster can really say that. Our purpose in life is like an unfolding mystery. God reveals this to us in due time. Relationship with God reveals purpose alone.

Back to my story. Doubt was cast and even the laughter made me feel pretty low. My hopes to become a mom and a social worker, among other aspirations, were somehow unattainable because of their doubt. But here’s what I gained from my experience:

1. Everyone cannot handle the vision God gave you.

2. Everyone is not for you.

3. The vision God gave you is for you, and doesn’t involve the haters, doubters and naysayers.

4. In this situation, it may have been premature to share what I have been praying for in private.

Although I felt the doubt temporarily, I prayed to God and also spoke to my husband about what I saw for my life. I knew my goals were not going to be achieved in a year. I have faith but I am also have wisdom. It came to a point where I had to decide between believing God or believing someone who isn’t omnipotent. To alleviate my fears and worries, I gave it back to Him; the Author and Finisher of my faith (Hebrews 12:2)

I share my story to say, know the difference between what is true and what is false. What God has showed you is what is true. Protect your vision.

Nehemiah also protected the vision God gave to him as he set off to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. He told no one what God placed on his heart to do (Nehemiah 2:12). Sometimes we need to take a page from the prophet’s book and hold on to what God gave us. There is a season for everything and what God has plan to come to pass will happen in due time.

If God has given you a vision for your business, make a plan. Write it out. Pray to God first and then move accordingly.

Rachel

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