Right now if we turn on the news, there are various headlines of wars, political tensions, cost of living crisis, union strikes and destructive weather. These have always existed at some level throughout history, but it can cause feelings of fear, frustration and worry as we witness the ways these decisions are influencing our societies and world. Our minds, may be filled with so much to think about, that we can neglect to remember how precious of a gift from God life is. The very breath in our lungs is provided by Him, the fact that we are alive is sustained and ordained by Him. You are meant to be here in this time in history, our lives are purposed for such a time as this!
A lot may be going on, even in your personal life there will be situations and circumstances that present life to be challenging. In John 16:33, Jesus says in this unbelieving world you will experience trouble and sorrows (TPT). This can sound like a discouraging statement, but there is hope because we are reminded to be courageous for He has conquered the world, by taking away the power it has to defeat us.
Here are some extra scriptures to meditate on for encouragement and reassurance:
2 Thessalonians 3:16 (NLT) now may the Lord of peace himself give you his peace at all times and in every situation. The Lord be with you all.
1 Peter 5:7 (NIV) Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you
Philippians 4:7 (TPT) Then God's wonderful peace that transcends human understanding, will guard your heart and mind through Jesus Christ.
Now I would like to offer a suggestion to implement in your day whether for your leisure or productivity. We all need creativity in our lives and I believe that it's essential for us to stir up creative juices that on a day-to-day basis have been blocked by our busy lives and overwhelmed minds. To be creative does not simply mean using a skill or talent you may have within the Arts such as painting or playing an instrument. Creativity can be a perspective, remember how we used to create forts growing up using household items such as bed linen, chairs or broomsticks? These seemingly mundane yet still purposeful objects were looked at with a different perspective to create a whole new world for your imagination to thrive.
For instance, where in your home can you view in a different perspective? Perhaps give it a makeover, reorganise stuff, DIY certain items to give them a fresh look. Trying new recipes in the kitchen or coming up with new family traditions.
Creativity can be translated into different fields, is there a business that you've considered researching and starting up? A course that you've always wanted to provide a service for? A blog you've always wanted to start writing?
How's about reading a book, and getting lost in your own imagination and thoughts, as you enter a world of fiction or thought provoking discussion. Grab a pen, notebook and find a quiet space and journal, write about yourself, get to know who you are and discover new things about yourself and areas of self-development.
There are so many more things that can be listed and I'm sure you can come up with your own ways and definitions of being creative. Let's turn down the volume of the news a little bit, and tune in to our creative abilities, God who is the most creative person, and we are created in His image, deposited portions of this gift in all of us.
See what you can do and let that creativity flow!