BIBLICAL MODEL – GOD’S CREATIVITY WITHOUT AND WITHIN Psalm 19

Creativity flows from beholding beauty without and cultivating beauty within. These two poles are drawn together in one of the most beautiful poems of the Bible, Psalm 19. This Psalm was written by David, the poet-king. The Psalm naturally divides in half. Verses 1-6 describe David’s amazement at the beauty of God’s creation. Verses 7-14 describe the beauty of God’s revelation as it transforms the heart of human beings.

The beauty without: God’s creation (verses 1-6)

The Psalm begins in verse 1: “The heavens are telling of the glory of God; And their expanse is declaring the work of His hands.” The beauty of the Lord is reflected in what his own hands have made, just as our creative work reflects our personality.

Verse 2: “Day to day pours forth speech, And night to night reveals knowledge. The creative work of God is enduring. It is a constant, eloquent testimony to His greatness.

Verse 3: “There is no speech, nor are there words; Their voice is not heard.” The beauty of creation is beheld in the silent consideration of its perfection. Creative expression does not yell to be heard, but gathers its audience by its own attractiveness.

Verse 4-6: “Their line has gone out through all the earth, And their utterances to the end of the world. In them He has placed a tent for the sun, which is as a bridegroom coming out of his chamber; It rejoices as a strong man to run his course. Its rising is from one end of the heavens, And its circuit to the other end of them; And there is nothing hidden from its heat.” Creativity produces inspiring and skillful actions.

The beauty within: the transforming power of God’s revelation (verses 7-14)

David then considers the beauty within as God’s revelation shapes and moulds the character and desires of the human heart. As he praises God for the beauty of his word, note the effect of word in our hearts as it produces the character and peace of God.

Verse 7-10: “ The law of the LORD is perfect, restoring the soul; The testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple. The precepts of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart; The commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes. The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring forever; The judgments of the LORD are true; they are righteous altogether.They are more desirable than gold, yes, than much fine gold; Sweeter also than honey and the drippings of the honeycomb.”

God’s word purifies us and cleans us deep within, producing another beautiful testimony of His creative artistry.

Verse 11-14: “Moreover, by them Your servant is warned; In keeping them there is great reward. Who can discern his errors? Acquit me of hidden faults.Also keep back Your servant from presumptuous sins; Let them not rule over me; Then I will be blameless, And I shall be acquitted of great transgression. Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O LORD, my rock and my Redeemer.”

CREATIVITY IN OUR LIVES —

Some practical evidences of creativity in our lives are seen in the following “I will” statements:

I will use my talents for good.
I will see things from more than one perspective.
I will use principles to solve problems.
I will learn all I can.
I will look for new ways to be a person of character.

Divide into groups and discuss:

• What does the Psalmist mean by the statement that the creation pours forth speech day by day?
• Why is it so important to keep something beautiful before us at all times?
• How does God’s creative word produce something beautiful within us?

CREATIVITY IN MY LIFE THIS WEEK-–

Spend a few minutes in personal reflection with God:

• Draw your thoughts and prayers toward the most awesome thing that you have ever seen with your own eyes. Reflect on how this place, person or event reflects the creative power of God.
• Pray for a deeper appreciation of the beauty of God’s work and word in your life.
• Ask God to show you one way to express this week a creative gift He has given you.
• Ask a trusted friend to hold you accountable.