Discovering a New Source of Inspiration
Have you ever been in a situation where your usual source of inspiration has run dry, making it hard to find the motivation for activities that were once gratifying and nearly effortless? If so, it might not be burnout; you could be transitioning to a new source of information, inspiration, and creative flow. There is a way to discover and tap into this new source. Today, we'll explore how to do just that together.
Lately, I've encountered a situation where my usual creative flow isn't functioning. I recently completed a painting that took over three months to finish. Although I've previously worked on paintings over extended periods, one might assume that after creating more than 70 paintings in six years, I would be accustomed to a creative flow and artistic process that allows for effortless creation. I've observed a similar struggle in other aspects of life and ministry. The old ways aren't effective anymore. I struggle to find inspiration and enthusiasm in old ways of doing things, so I've started a journey to discover a new creative flow.
Discovering a New Source of Inspiration
I've discovered a creative flow in an entirely different setting, and I'm still learning how to accomplish my work within this fresh stream of inspiration. In seeking this new stream, I was reminded of a story from the book of Jeremiah.
Why is my pain unending and my wound grievous and incurable? You are to me like a deceptive brook, like a spring that fails. - Jeremiah 15:18
The expression "like a deceitful brook" or a "spring that fails" originates from the Bible in Jeremiah 15:18, where Jeremiah conveys profound anguish and questions God about becoming as unreliable as a dry seasonal stream.
The metaphor of a deceitful brook refers to a stream that appears abundant in winter or spring but dries up entirely during the hot summer when a traveler needs it the most. Jeremiah's distress stems from feeling abandoned and burdened by his hard work and the ongoing suffering he endures for delivering God's message. God responds to Jeremiah in an unexpected manner, instructing him to repent, return to Him, and speak words of faithfulness, with the promise of making him like a "fortified wall of bronze".
At one point, Jeremiah was meant to enter a new phase of divine inspiration for his ministry, but his disappointment and pain hindered his ability to hear God. Eventually, God encountered him in his suffering, providing guidance and a means to discover a new place of refreshment and nourishment in God. He needed to "walk back" and repent to find this new source.
Reflecting on the past with a repentant heart is a way to walk with God, fostering humility and obedience, as well as divine inspiration and provision. I may not know what your journey with Jesus has been like or why it hasn't been going well for a while, but I assure you, as you "return" to walking with Him, you will discover new sources of inspiration and provision.
If today's blog post struck a chord with your current path, you may want to subscribe to future blog posts at the bottom of this page, as fresh content is coming from my new brook of inspiration.
Comments