If you’re a Christian creative, the only “muse” worth having in the Holy Spirit. The One who spoke the universe into existence and the Maker of all things is the only source we need. This brings to mind what Jesus said, “But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” (Matthew 6:33 ESV) While this verse certainly has many applications, if you find yourself creatively blocked, seeking inspiration from the Maker within you, seems like the best place to start.
Start With Prayer
Ask God to lead you into what He would have you do. Ask Him to put a dream or vision or idea or whatever it takes into your heart and mind. A big part of this is getting alone with Him, and remembering prayer is supposed to be a conversation. Yes, we need to talk, but we also need to to listen. Ask Him to guide you. Those who are in Christ receive the Holy Spirit, and the Bible says of Him, “When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come.” Jesus said that (John 16:13 ESV) and He will deliver. Trust Him.
Act On What Is Revealed
The struggle with this is sometimes the idea will seem too big for what you have the moment it comes to you. That’s okay. If it is from the Lord, it is imperative that we treat the inspiration as valuable. At times, the response might be as simple as recording it, and storing it for later. The best course of action for what we believe to be divine inspiration is to act on it. Philippians 1:6 reminds us, “And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.” He begins it and He will complete it. Our function in all this is to obediently see it through for as long as it is in our hands.
What If God Is Silent?
Sometimes when we seek inspiration, it feels like God is silent. I have come to believe this is usually because I already have my assignment, and have not acted on it. What is on your back burner? Is there anything you have neglected? Is there anything you have written off as to big for you, or too small, or for another time? Revisit these things with the One who will lead you into all truth, and see what He has to say. The beauty of being a Christian creative, is that the Maker has invited you into His “studio” to work beside Him to accomplish His purposes. It is up to Him to make it work and success and failure are in His hands. Our job is faithfulness to His call.
The Best Way to Hear from God
I can almost hear you saying, “but how do I know it’s from God? How do I know it’s not just me?” I could tell you that “His sheep know His voice.” (John 10:27-28 ESV) but I don’t want to go there. I’ve been a creative long enough to know I can get in my own head and convince myself of the things I really want to do (or not do) is a calling from the Maker. Let me let you in on a little secret. There is a foolproof way to hear from God, at any time day or night, in any season. It’s as simple as listening to His Word. Read, follow and obey. The Apostle Paul praised the Bereans, because they did not take him at his word before they compared his teachings to what God said in His Word. (Acts 17:10-11)
Subject Matter Matters
Please do not hear me saying any of this means you can only do what people might call “spiritual or biblical” subjects. No, we are seeking the Lord to inspire us to do what He wants us to do. We are seeking the Maker’s will for our creativity, and the Maker’s will will never contradict His Word. Our work should accomplish His purposes and bring Him glory, after all, we are seeking “His Kingdom and His righteousness” and we’re supposed to be seeking it first. You don’t have to do a picture of Jesus to do that, but if He is leading you to do a portrait of Jesus, then that is what you should do.
Think About the Word
Think about what God has put into the Bible. After all the Bible says that, “all Scripture is God breathed…” It was literally inspired. Talk about a great source of inspiration, but consider the material held within its pages. Are all the people flawless and living perfect examples? Of course not. The Bible is honest, sometimes painfully so. The Bible shows us people at their best and at their worst. It gives us examples to follow, and examples to be avoided like the plague. God’s Word shows the heights of goodness and the depths of depravity. The latter are not given to inspire us, but as cautionary tales, or in some cases to show us the power of God to overcome our sinful nature. They also can point to the depths of His love in Salvation. All of it comes together into a cohesive story and it all points to Jesus. So should our creative output.
Seek Him First
Seek His inspiration first and foremost, and probably exclusively. Let the Holy Spirit guide you into creating work that makes people look to Jesus, and seek His Kingdom. I find a great litmus test for any creative project are the words of Philippians 4:8. “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” Look at your ideas through that lens, create the best work you can, put it into His hands and let your life and your work point to Jesus, and live inspired. The Maker will always be the best “muse.” Trust Him.
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