Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. – Romans 8:26
One of the greatest pieces of art ever created has hung upon your refrigerator. Maybe it is there right now, or maybe it has long since been removed. Regardless of where this masterpiece now resides, you are quite aware that beautiful works of art have been created on kitchen counters and dining room tables – maybe even in the middle of the living room floor. What made these creations so lovely and special? The creator: Your little artist!
Each of us has been given gifts and talents by our Creator. We are precious in His sight and He delights to look upon all His children. We have been created in His image with some degree of the His creativity. Unlike God, we cannot create something from nothing. But like Him, we can fashion works that reflect His glory and thereby delight ourselves and others.
What makes artists and their creativity so special? Our Creator! He grants spiritual blessings and physical talents that resonate with His creation. Our prayers are a form of creative expression: As we speak to God, we reflect His grace and our words are fashioned by the Holy Spirit into magnificent works that delight our Creator. Even when we don’t know what to say, God’s Spirit takes our crayon scribbles and turns them into the Mona Lisa. He intercedes for us, His little artists. Today, in the midst of confusion, we might not know what to pray for as we ought, but let us join together with the Spirit in groanings that are too deep for words.
Which is more valuable, Da Vinci’s Mona Lisa, or your refrigerator art? The answer is obvious: none of us are running out to spend our hard-earned cash on Renaissance paintings. Rather, we willingly invest a great deal of time and money in encouraging the creative expression of those close to us.
This week, ponder this truth: Nothing of value was ever created without collaboration. The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit created the universe, together. Little artists need your encouragement and investment to grow and create. Ask Herron Wilson of Delta Missions. This city needs your encouragement and investment to grow and create. Ask Mayor Ken Featherstone. In the midst of troubled times and great suffering, your prayers can drift into self-centered mumblings and “never-mind-I’ll-do-it” endeavors. Pray for collaboration. Ask the Holy Spirit. Nothing of value was ever created without collaboration.
The great works of art drawn upon the canvases of our lives reflect the creativity of our Creator and the collaboration that He grants as we seek to glorify and enjoy Him together. This week, let’s combine our talents and create value together. Let’s start by worshiping the One who loves our collaborative creativity, together. Let’s create some pictures for His refrigerator, together – us, along with His Spirit who intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words.
The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs – heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with Him in order that we may also be glorified with Him. – Romans 8:16-17
