There’s a tendency to think that everything depends on us. That the production and fruitfulness of our lives lean entirely on our efforts. I believe that there is a better way, a more peaceful way, to live and contribute to others.

The way of Jesus is not burdensome. His creative nature is not something we have to grasp for, earn, or deserve.

Here are 5 more thoughts from the creation about creativity and rest:

1. Seedtime and harvest

“… the seed was in itself” (Genesis 1:12 KJV)

God placed seeds inside everything living capable of production. The created world was not searching for something outside itself to fulfil its nature and destiny.

Nor are you!

You are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works He has already prepared for you to walk in. The seed of your greatness and contribution to the world, your fruit, is already in you.

The beauty of the creative life is in the discovery of who you already are, and the beauty God has planted within you. It may be a small seed in the first instance, but tended and nourished it will grow and reach out branches.

In a push-button world, the idea of patiently tending a seed until it is grown and flourishing may seem unpopular, but the way of faith is not about speed.

“But that on the good ground are they, which in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience.” (Luke 8:15 KJV)

2. Behold, I have given

“And God said, Behold, I have given … ” (Genesis 1:29 KJV)

God gives first. He is the first instance in every endeavour. The beauty is that this releases us from the need to be original. Nothing we make is not already thought of. Jesus has been there first and we follow.

What do I mean by this? The creative life is one where we tap the genius of heaven. He is for you, with you, and wants to create through you. There is joy in discovery. What you bring to the world will be as much a delight and surprise to you as to others.

I like to think of the creative life as the gradual unveiling of God’s glory, His outshining, in a person’s life.

God has given abundantly.

Because of that we can now give generously!

3. Rest Upon Completion

“Thus the heavens and the earth were finished, and all the host of them. And on the seventh day God ended his work which he had made; and he rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had made.” (Genesis 2:1–2 KJV)

There’s great delight in completion. You are a finisher, just like your Father!

And when you finish, stop to appreciate!

There’s a crowning of your work with thanksgiving and gratitude that adds a whole new dimension to the creative process. The creative cycle is one of flow from and to God in constant communion. Celebration and appreciation complete the cycle and allow the clouds to form again ready to rain new ideas and blessings on the world through your hand.

It is easy to run from one thing to the next, but instead of a hasty sprint take time to slow.

Pause to appreciate and recognise the Source of your power and production. Don’t be in such a hurry to run to the next thing on the list. Look how far you have come. Enjoy what you have made!

4. Rest Is Blessed

“And God blessed the seventh day, and sanctified it” (Genesis 2:3 KJV)

Two things are specifically blessed in these early chapters of Genesis.

People and a day.

God blessed a day; a day of rest.

Rest is blessed, and the people whom He blessed stepped directly into the blessing. There is a pace of grace that we are invited to enjoy. It is the starting point of every endeavour.

If we hear God and move according to His direction there will be rest and peace even in activity.

Mankind’s first experience of life with God was restful rejoicing in His rich provision!

There still remains a rest for the people of God (Hebrews 4:9 KJV) if only we will choose to believe him and step into it. From this blessed place of rest we then work.

5. Formation

“… the LORD God formed man” (Genesis 2:7 KJV)

Formation by the hand of God. God still forms men and women!

You are not a cookie-cutter copy of the next person in line. You are uniquely formed for purpose by a personal Hand. God is carefully shaping your life and preparing you for eternity.

The formation of our hearts begins when we stop fighting against God and recognise that He knows best what will make us into the people we need to be to walk fully in His grace.

Even the hard circumstances and testing can act as tools to cut away pride and self-reliance so we throw ourselves more fully upon the Provider.

There is a rest when we cease from our own works and trust God for the outcomes in life.

“For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works…” (Hebrews 4:10 KJV)

This is not a passive thing, it is an active striving to enter the mystery of faith. God and man work together in close communion, one in which God does the heavy lifting!

“Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest …” (Hebrews 4:11 KJV)

Strive to enter, and once you are inside, don’t be in a hurry to return to the frantic pace of a self-obsessed world. There’s a greater, richer, contribution you will bring when you relinquish control and allow God to fill and flow through your willing frame.

It’s not easy to discover in a culture bent on speed and consumption, but it is possible.

“There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God.” (Hebrews 4:9 KJV)

It’s ready and waiting!