B - Art: Biblical Truths for Creatives

Copyright 2018 by B&H Publishing Group

All Rights Reserved

Printed in the United States of America

978-1-5359-1784-1

Published by B&H Publishing Group

Nashville, Tennessee

Dewey Decimal Classification: 242.5

Subject Heading: DEVOTIONAL LITERATURE \ BIBLEINSPIRATION \ MEDITATIONS \ PRAYERS

All Scripture quotations are taken from the Christian Standard Bible, Copyright 2017 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. Christian Standard Bible and CSB are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers.

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If a person were to get online and type the word art, they would be inundated with millions of images that would impress, confuse, anger, annoy, entrance, amaze, discomfort, amuse, bewilder, befuddle, and many others that would all have the same commonality. They would touch the soul in one form or another. Art connects. Its as simple as that. Whether we like it or not, art gives us something and we respond to it.

Some art can make the eyes water, while others will make them roll. Some art can soften a heart. Some can provide wisdom. Art is something that gets a reaction, whether the viewer, hearer, or reader likes it or not. That is a powerful thing. It is through inspiration and the gifts that God gives man, that man does something extraordinary... he creates.

In the world of psychology, there is a technique called art therapy. It encourages self-expression through painting, drawing, and sculpting. This allows for diagnosis, but also, psychologists have found that this style of therapy calms nervousness in those that go through this form of therapy. Allowing people to create in their own way is something thats good for the soul. Essentially, allowing people to use their God-given talents can soothe an anxious heart.

Therefore I tell you: Dont worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Isnt life more than food and the body more than clothing? Consider the birds of the sky: They dont sow or reap or gather into barns, yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Arent you worth more than they? Can any of you add one moment to his life-span by worrying?

Matthew 6:2527

Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God, so that he may exalt you at the proper time, casting all your cares on him, because he cares about you.

1 Peter 5:67

Peace I leave with you. My peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Dont let your heart be troubled or fearful.

John 14:27

Dont worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:67

For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but one of power, love, and sound judgment.

2 Timothy 1:7

Heavenly Father, I am nervous. There are things going on in my life that I feel are outside of my control. Father, I know that, with You, there is nothing that I cannot handle. Be with me, Lord, as I walk through this time. Take away my anxious spirit, and replace it with Your peace. Amen

Claude Monet is known as one of the great impressionists in the art world. The impressionists were known for capturing the beauty found in the simplicity of the surrounding world. His painting, Poppies in a Field, captures that very idea of beauty in simplicity. If you ever see the painting, youll notice that there are people in the painting, but the overall beauty of Gods scenery is so overwhelming that its easy to overlook them.

I have asked one thing from the L ord ;

it is what I desire:

to dwell in the house of the L ord

all the days of my life,

gazing on the beauty of the L ord

and seeking him in his temple.

Psalm 27:4

I will praise you

because I have been remarkably and wondrously made.

Your works are wondrous,

and I know this very well.

Psalm 139:14

Charm is deceptive and beauty is fleeting,

but a woman who fears the L ord will be praised.

Proverbs 31:30

You are absolutely beautiful, my darling;

there is no imperfection in you.

Song of Songs 4:7

Dont let your beauty consist of outward things like elaborate hairstyles and wearing gold jewelry, but rather what is inside the heartthe imperishable quality of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in Gods sight.

1 Peter 3:34

Lord, there is so much in this world that You have created that is so beautiful. Thank You, Father, for making a world that is filled with such beauty. Lord, allow me to continue to notice the beautiful moments that You have created in my life. Allow me to respond to these moments with thankfulness and awe. Amen

Theres an artist named Matthew Allen that has a print called Count Your Blessings. Its a simple piece. It is merely a page filled from top to bottom with tallies, and at the top of the page are the words Count Your Blessings. It is a simple message with a great deal of weight. How many of us take the time to actually count our blessings? When we think of all the little things that God has blessed us with, we find that our list of tallies can become just as innumerable.

May the L ord bless you and protect you; may the L ord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; may the L ord look with favor on you and give you peace.

Numbers 6:2426

Indeed, we have all received grace upon grace from his fullness, for the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.

John 1:1617

And God is able to make every grace overflow to you, so that in every way, always having everything you need, you may excel in every good work.

2 Corinthians 9:8

Blessed is the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavens in Christ.

Ephesians 1:3

And my God will supply all your needs according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:19

Lord God, I know that there are so many things in this life that You have provided that I take for granted. I know that there are so many blessings that You have given me that go unnoticed. Father, instill in me a thankful spirit that takes note of all of the little things that You provide in my life. Allow me to look at my surroundings and not see them as expectations, but blessings. Amen