Examples of Creativity in the Bible

Sometimes we are overflowing with creativity, and our work feels effortless. However, sometimes it feels like our well of inspiration has run dry. When this happens, it’s helpful to look outside ourselves for inspiration. Thank God there are many examples of creativity in the bible. Let’s look at a couple to refill our wells!

God’s Creativity in Genesis

The story of creation is one of the best examples of creativity in the bible.

In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.

Genesis 1:1 ESV

This verse sets the stage for the epic about to unfold, similar to “A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away…”, or “once upon a time…”

Genesis chapter one tells us how God brings order and formation to a chaotic universe. On the first day, he reveals his glory when he makes light shine out of darkness. Then, he shows his sovereignty by separating day from night, establishing time, and seasons. By his power, he gathers the waters forming land and sea. On the third day, he caused plants to spring up from the earth.

Consider the mighty oak tree, which begins as a small acorn. For the tree to grow, there must be nutrient rich soil, water, sunlight, carbon dioxide, and much more. This is impossible without every element. We see God has created nature to function with precision and balance. From winter freezes to spring thaws, wildfires, and seasonal flooding, only God has the creativity to design the intricate world we live in.

Joyce Kilmer illustrates this beautifully in his poem, Trees:

I think that I shall never see
A poem lovely as a tree.

A tree whose hungry mouth is prest
Against the earth’s sweet flowing breast;

A tree that looks at God all day,
And lifts her leafy arms to pray;

A tree that may in Summer wear
A nest of robins in her hair;

Upon whose bosom snow has lain;
Who intimately lives with rain.

Poems are made by fools like me,
But only God can make a tree.

People’s Creativity Through Worship

Most examples of creativity in the bible are about God. However, there are many examples of people being creative by singing, dancing, playing instruments, and writing poetry.

A common catalyst for people’s creativity in the bible is worshiping God for the amazing, things he has done.

Oh sing to the Lord a new song, for he has done marvelous things! His right hand and his holy arm have worked salvation for him.

Psalm 98:1 ESV

In the book of Exodus, God parts the Red Sea for the Israelites to pass through, then brings its waves down on Pharaoh and his men. After witnessing this miraculous event, God’s people respond with creative worship. Here is the start of the song they sang:

Then Moses and the people of Israel sang this song to the Lord, saying, “I will sing to the Lord, for he has triumphed gloriously; the horse and his rider he has thrown into the sea. The Lord is my strength and my song, and he has become my salvation; this is my God, and I will praise him, my father’s God, and I will exalt him.

Exodus 15:1–2 ESV

One of the other common examples of creativity in the bible is after people have an encounter with God. When they attempt to tell others about their experience, they find “normal language” falls short, so they get creative. After engaging with God, their minds are left swimming with creative possibilities of how to express what is inexpressible. Here is an example from the Revelation where John tells us about what it looked like to see God sitting on his throne.

At once I was in the Spirit, and behold, a throne stood in heaven, with one seated on the throne. And he who sat there had the appearance of jasper and carnelian, and around the throne was a rainbow that had the appearance of an emerald. Around the throne were twenty-four thrones, and seated on the thrones were twenty-four elders, clothed in white garments, with golden crowns on their heads. From the throne came flashes of lightning, and rumblings and peals of thunder, and before the throne were burning seven torches of fire, which are the seven spirits of God, and before the throne there was as it were a sea of glass, like crystal.

Revelation 4:2–6 ESV

Heart Soul and Mind Values Creativity

One of Heart Soul and Mind’s core values is creativity. With our examples of creativity in the bible, we see some reasons creativity is important to us.

Because God is creative

We value creativity because it can be a sign that you are growing to be more like Jesus. As we saw from Genesis chapter one, God is the most creative being who exists. He has put the desire and ability for creativity into humans. When we are creative, we are reflecting part of God’s character.

Because God is inspiring

Another reason we value creativity is because when people spend time in God’s presence, they come away filled with inspiration. When someone worships God with their creativity, it can show that they are spending time in his presence.