Let’s begin with an observation: the more chaotic life becomes, the less creative we are. At least until we understand what’s really going on and take action.

It seems like our gifting is being stolen from us . . . because it is.

The Spirit gives us the ability to keep chaos out of our hearts while filling it instead with the fruit of the Spirit.

But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. (Galatians 5:22–23 NLT)

No great art was ever created without great heart.

No great life was ever lived without great heart. Perhaps that’s why God tells us the heart is central to all we are and do.

The void is empty of ideas. That’s why when we’re there, we tend to rely on formula to see us through. There are no higher thoughts from God. So we look to what we’ve done before, hoping it will somehow work again.

The void lures us to formula. Detached from the Vine, we feel like it’s the only way to get things done. Creation is about bringing something new into existence. Formula is about re-creating what has been through a repetitive series of steps. It seeks to gain similar results by duplicating what’s worked in the past. That’s great for a muffin mix. Not for your art.

It is good to explore whether we are attached to the Vine or the void.

Jesus says:

Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. (John 15:4–7 NIV)

Imagine a father-daughter dance where the dad invites his daughter but then, once at the dance, he stands off to the side. He isn’t there to dance but to evaluate how she dances. That would be tragic. The whole point is to dance together.

When we choose to create with God, our art and our hearts come alive.

Yet how we enter into this creative process with God makes a difference. Do we see ourselves co-creating with God on the playground of ideas—or God up above us somewhere waiting to see what we come up with down here?

Before we can even consider changing the chaos around us, God must first transform the chaos within us.

Our creativity can’t be transformed until we are.

Who we are comes before what we do. Right being is what determines the right doing. Never the opposite. Which is why our presence is more powerful than our gifting. We can do what we do only because of who we are. This is why chaos tries to make us forget who we are . . . and to become more like it.

When Moses was tasked with leading the people out of the desert, he made this bold statement to God:

Moses said, “If your presence doesn’t take the lead here, call this trip off right now. How else will it be known that you’re with me in this, with me and your people? Are you traveling with us or not?” (Exodus 33:15–16 MSG).

More than reaching a destination, Moses sought God’s presence. In fact, he was willing to call the entire trip off if God’s presence wasn’t part of it.

When was the last time you said those words to God about a project you were working on?

Knowing your creative gifts is important.

Knowing God is far more so. Intimacy with God always comes before impact for God.

That’s why we must begin here.

God knit your gifts into you before you were born. He gave you specific passions so the two of you could pursue them together. The more you do, the more you know God. The more you know God, the more you discover your true identity and purpose. This is a beautiful never-ending circle.

Your canvas is the place where your presence and gifting play out.

But before your creativity can happen on the canvas, a transformation must happen in you. And that process requires training.

That is how it always is. The young Zorro must face the Master’s Circle. Katniss Everdeen had to survive the ultimate games. Underdog Rocky Balboa had to train endless hours in the boxing ring. In the process, each was becoming something more than they were. Their future victories would first be won in the hidden places.

In the book of Exodus, we’re given a glimpse into how God infuses people with creativity.

Moses wrote that God called Bezalel, who was of the tribe of Judah, by name and then filled him with the Spirit of God in wisdom, understanding, knowledge, and in all craftsmanship.

Your primary identity is a son or daughter of God. Though the world and others (and often we) try to define us in helpful and hurtful ways, never trade your foundational identity as a son or daughter of God for those temporal or false labels.

We can limit our creative potential by limiting how we see ourselves.

Let me ask you a question. Are you introverted or extroverted? Before you answer (and I know you already have an answer), let me ask a few more questions. 

Welcome to what I call the Empty Auditorium exercise. It’s designed to help identify what creative pursuit makes your heart beat faster.

Imagine you’re in a room designed for an audience. Maybe it seats ten. Maybe ten thousand. You decide.

If you’re a bit puzzled by what pursuing your creativity looks like, that’s normal.

The discovery process is finding out what makes us come alive. It’s knowing what you love to do—which isn’t always the same as what you’re paid to do or even as what comes naturally. You may be amazing at a skill that brings you no joy. It pays the bills but doesn’t bring life. I’m not saying you should stop doing that. I’m suggesting you also start discovering what makes your heart beat faster. 

From the beginning, the enemy has tried to use chaos against the Creator and creation. Today, he also opposes us and our creativity.

I’m convinced chaos is fueled by the enemy’s intense hatred for all who are trying to bring life and light into the world.

In the face of such massive havoc, our talents may seem inconsequential. A nice gesture but far too little. Like holding up a paintbrush to ward off an oncoming hurricane.

Before inviting you into something larger, God wants to initiate you. 

Because, let’s face it: as talented as you are, you’ve been slammed pretty hard by chaos. Or perhaps you’re weary from trying to do everything in your own strength. What you need for this part of the journey is an extra dose of patience and humility. Be open to learning a new way to pursue what you love to do. Be willing to be the student rather than the expert. Don’t assume you already know your role in the story that hasn’t been told yet. 

In the movie The Mask of Zorro, a young fighter has lost much. He is angry and seeking revenge against the enemy. An older, wiser warrior—the sage— stops him from entering the battle unprepared.