An encouragement for this week from the book “The Heart of the Artist” by Rory Noland:
Psalm 18:19.. says, “...He (God) delights in me”
Did you know that God delights in you? He created you and He enjoys being with you. He enjoys seeing you grow. He enjoys watching you be what He created you to be. He enjoys watching you use your talent—every time you perform or create. He delights in you.
Many artists are feelers. We relate to the world around us based on our feelings, but that’s dangerous because our feelings change. What influences our feelings most is what we believe in our minds. If we fill our minds with the truth about God’s love, we will feel more of His love, but making the connection between the brain and the heart is not always easy. Whether I feel His love or not, I can’t argue with the truth of God’s Word.
Praying that you will take in the truth from God’s Word today that you are LOVED and DELIGHTED in by God Himself. If you are feeling challenged in that area based on current circumstances, tough relationships, not-so-nice words spoken to or over you by others or even your inner “judge”, that you will be able to lean into and soak in the real truth about you....that God delights in YOU...and let that fill your mind and heart today and bring healing and joy to your soul!
Praying for you,
Stacey
An encouragement for this week from the book “The Heart of the Artist” by Rory Noland:
Romans 12:5.. says, “In the same way, even though we are many individuals, Christ makes us one body and individuals who are connected to each other.”
Many of us are more introverted by nature; we’re lone rangers. Even if you don’t consider yourself to be very relational, you need to learn how to relate to, and get along with, other artists. Even if you’re extremely introverted, you’re deceived if you think you can live a meaningful existence isolated from others or live the Christian life apart from other believers. We need fellowship. We can’t be lone rangers. We need each other. To know and be know is a basic human need.
So when I first read this I had a major knee-jerk reaction of, “Oh yeah!?!? I can do it (life) on my own!” Being an introverted person myself I share who I am with very few people. It’s always been “safe” to do that and it’s out of my comfort zone to “go make friends”. If they befriend me then that’s great..but I have a hard time initiating that or going below the surface with people and being in meaningful relationship with them. God has obviously been growing me in this area and showing me through verses like the one above that He did not create us to be “lone rangers” but He created us to be connected to one another...a “family”...His family. And even if my earthly family wasn’t close and full of meaningful relationship, He’s showing me there is a different picture/definition of what family is...His definition of family...and it’s a good one. He’s also been showing me how being in meaningful relationship with others can really benefit my soul and heart...especially when tough times come so you don’t feel all alone and there are people to encourage you and be there for you...and when great times come you have people who can celebrate with you and share in your joy. Both just fill up your heart and soul!! Better than being a “lone ranger” does. : )
Praying that if you struggle with being in meaningful relationship with others as I do that God would meet you in that place, bring healing to your heart/soul if you need that, and bring you the courage to live dangerously...okay maybe courageously is a better word : )...in this area of venturing out to places outside your comfort/safe zone to build meaningful relationships.
As Rory goes on to say in his book, “Relationships don’t happen overnight; they need to be cultivated.” Or as the saying goes, “It takes a long time to build an old friend.” So why not start now with a “baby step” now and see what happens? : )
Praying for you,
Stacey
