“He calms the storm, so that its waves are still.
Then they are glad because they are quiet;
So He guides them to their desired haven.
Oh, that men would give thanks to the LORD for His goodness
and for His wonderful works to the children of men.”
Psalm 107:29-31
A very basic definition of imagination is that it is our creative ability to visualize clever and unique outcomes that have not yet materialized.
In a Biblical context, imagination is linked to the use of our thoughts to explore the world as God intended—beginning with understanding Him. Only then does it extend to action that spreads His kingdom on earth. All creative resources available to us are to be vigorously expended for that glorious purpose!
As a Christian visual artist, I wondered if God left any clues in the Bible about the proper use of imagination. I approached the subject cautiously with reverence, because of verses like the one below.
The LORD knows the thoughts of man, that they are futile. Psalm 94:11
Our greatest thoughts, without God's partnership are, indeed, worthless and empty of eternal significance, even if lauded by the world. Biblical imagination that He endorses has clearly marked boundaries.
Imagination: Biblical fuel for Creative Growth is a course at the Palm & Pen School that I sense is foundational for Christian visual artists. I spent over a year mulling over this topic, praying about it, reviewing, correcting and adjusting my ideas about Biblical imagination, before I felt that I was ready to share my understanding.
Even so, I know that what I present in this Course is the merest drop from the ocean! The Bible is so magnificent! May God continue to teach us all more about every topic of concern to us as artists as we grow in Him!
O LORD, how great are Your works! Your thoughts are very deep. Psalm 92:5
“I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.” Gal 2:20
I freely admit that His thoughts are so rich that the Course merely skims the surface of possibilities for every earnest seeker.
A couple of years from now, as I continue to walk in a growing understanding of God and His ways, I will know more. Growth is always so painstakingly gradual, requiring utmost patience to foster. And I am impatient by nature! I remain persistent by reminding myself that Patience is a fruit of the Spirit. If I remain rooted in Him, He will grow it in me.
Biblical Imagination: Will I Ever Gain a Comprehensive Grasp of It?
The answer is a definite "NO!"
God declares that there is an enormous chasm between His thoughts and ours. Yet He graciously offers a way to bridge that great divide. He does not leave us in ignorance—and for that I am so grateful!
The Bible is a beautiful encapsulation of the vastness of His thoughts, ways, and expectations of us. It is only through careful study, and conversations with Him about His words, can we begin to gain a very basic understanding of Biblical imagination.
The journey becomes exciting and clearly blessed by Him when we discover ways of thinking and responding to our world from the Bible. Experiencing results in our lives, outcomes we know could never have manifested any other way is the icing on the cake!
For My thoughts are not your thoughts,
Nor are your ways My ways,” says the LORD.
“For as the heavens are higher than the earth,
So are My ways higher than your ways,
And My thoughts than your thoughts. Isaiah 55:8-9
Honoring, cherishing and actively engaging with His words is the key to growth. By cherishing His thoughts above our own, and acknowledging their greatness and worth, we profit in ways that are clearly supernatural and extraordinary.
Can your imagination be nurtured, blessed and increased?
Absolutely!
A limitless God can bless limitless growth in artists, who seek Him before any other.
Those who choose His way can grow from infancy to maturity, because God honors His Word and will bless. His blessing is an impartial, unstoppable force, responding only to your measure of faith. He has clearly articulated plans and purposes for His word on this earth. Aligning yourself to them is the best way to grow in your imagination and creativity.
Whoever keeps the fig tree will eat its fruit; So he who waits on his master will be honored. Proverbs 27:18
"For as the rain comes down, and the snow from heaven, And do not return there, But water the earth, And make it bring forth and bud, That it may give seed to the sower And bread to the eater, So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; It shall not return to Me void, But it shall accomplish what I please, And it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it." Isaiah 55:10-11
Proverbs 16:3 states "Commit your works to the LORD, And your thoughts will be established."
It is only in commitment of every aspect of your creative pursuit to Him that you can hope to have thoughts, imaginations and corresponding works that He will establish. The Hebrew word for “established” used here also means to make “firm” and “stable.”
It may seem upside down, but it works! I testify that God has worked in my life more than I ever thought possible! And I am trusting Him for whatever else the future holds. Faith without works is dead. Corresponding “works” in keeping with growth in faith will be the trigger for your own adventures with God, using imagination that He initiates and promises to bless!
Should you choose to take the course, remember this—understanding truths from the Bible is only the beginning—acting in accordance with them is what will manifest your own personal, God-ordained growth.
Is you are unsure about taking the course, I've offered FREE courses to sample my teaching style. I do hope you will avail of them.
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