So often, we can get conflicted in the middle of a project. Just today, I was working on an abstract series and, instead of having fun creating, I started hearing questions like:
Oh, does (long emphasis on does) that look good?
Wait, was that a mistake?
How is that piece going to come together?
And then the voice gets louder and more obstinate, making declarations instead of asking questions.
This whole project stinks.
Who do you think you are?
This is never going to go anywhere.
Just give up.
If I tolerate the questions, they inevitably become vicious. They are all from the enemy, who hates creativity. He hates it because when we create, we co-labor with the Creator. Of course, he doesn’t want that to happen.
So, we have to be vigilant and stay on guard against him. If I open the door even a crack to him, he will begin to attack my identity. The only ground he gets to take is what we yield to him. So, let’s purpose not to yield even a single yard.
I don’t always get this right. And God is so kind to help be re-group eventually. But I am learning, and I celebrate the small steps. Today, I laid it aside and walked away. That was a win.
Before I step back into that project, I will also take a few minutes to pray. You can join me in this prayer.
Dear Father,
Thank you that I get to walk this creative adventure with you. I choose to lay my fear and frustrations at your feet. Father, please fill me afresh with your joy and peace. I am thankful that you are here with me and that I don’t have to navigate all this alone. Whatever way this goes, I am choosing to focus on you and enjoy the journey instead of pressuring myself to produce. I yield my outcomes to you! Amen.
