As an artist I especially enjoy thinking of Jesus, who created the universe, “who holds all things together” (Colossians 1:17) as the Divine Artist. The maker of snowflakes! The intricate delicacy of each tiny crystalline form speaks of brilliant design. (If you want a reminder, look at these stunning photos.)
The Trinity of Beauty cannot create anything that is not spilling over with wonder. Even in our broken, imperfect state we who were made in His image still have the capacity to reflect some of His perfect, breath-stealing artistry.
What if I could take a weeklong workshop with one of the greats like Michelangelo or Rembrandt? Would I gladly hand one of these masters my brush for his touch of genius on my canvas?
Without question.
The Eternal Artist, my personal Creator, longs to add strokes of beauty to my life. Philippians 3:21 tells us that Christ will “transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself.”
In his book, The Evidential Power of Beauty, Thomas Dubay wrote, “Divine beauty is so endless, so unspeakable, that Scripture has a special word for it, glory.” Too often I have wanted to paint life my way, but more and more I’m asking Him to complete what He began in me, which is glorious and more than breath-taking.
As we begin a new year we usually think of new beginnings, which is right and good because our God is a God of new beginnings. But rather than ambitiously make a list of all the things you want to change or do or become, start with asking the One who made you what He envisions for your life in 2022.
Let’s start this first week of the new year listening to Him not to everyone’s goals on social media.
List a few goals or character qualities or personal achievements you sense He is leading you to focus on for this year. Then pray and ask God to do the work in and through you which is His specialty.
And if you aren’t sure what to pray, start with these words to an old hymn which will be beautiful music to His ears: “Have Thy Own Way, Lord.”
Keep praying this throughout the year and watch for how the One who knows how to perfectly create beauty in you will do exactly that.
Happy New Year to all with hope for you in ’22!
If you enjoyed this post from Barbara, be sure to read some past New Year’s posts:
