Creativity as Worship
Using Your Sketchbook to Connect With God
CREATIVE DEVOTIONALS
Melissa Codi
9/4/20253 min read
Have you ever felt stuck in your quiet time, unsure how to connect with God in a fresh way?
When most people think about worship, they picture singing in church, reading scripture, or praying. But worship is so much more than that—it’s any act that draws us closer to God and helps us glorify Him with our lives. For those of us who love to create, art can be one of the most meaningful ways to worship.
Your sketchbook isn’t just a place to practice drawing skills. It can become a sacred space—a visual journal where your creativity and faith meet. As believers, we’re called to worship Him not only with our words and songs, but also with the talents He’s placed inside of us.
Here’s a list of key Bible passages where God requests artisans to use their skills to serve Him:
1. Exodus 31:1–6
“Then the Lord said to Moses, ‘See, I have chosen Bezalel… I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with wisdom, with understanding, with knowledge and with all kinds of skills—to make artistic designs for work in gold, silver and bronze, to cut and set stones, to work in wood, and to engage in all kinds of artistic crafts.’”
God specifically equips Bezalel with artistic talent for building the Tabernacle.
2. Exodus 35:4–35
God commands the Israelites to bring offerings for the construction of the Tabernacle. Skilled artisans among the people (Bezalel, Oholiab, and others) use their gifts in weaving, embroidery, metalwork, and woodworking.
3. Exodus 36:1–7
Bezalel and Oholiab lead artisans in building the Tabernacle exactly as God commanded. The people’s skilled work reflects obedience and devotion.
4. Exodus 28:1–43
God instructs the crafting of priestly garments. Skilled embroiderers, jewelers, and metalworkers are involved in creating garments that are holy and beautiful.
5. 1 Chronicles 28:11–19
King David gives Solomon the plans for the Temple, and craftsmen skilled in stonecutting, woodcarving, and metalwork are chosen to execute the work according to God’s instructions.
6. 1 Kings 6:7–22
During Solomon’s Temple construction, artisans, carpenters, and masons carefully craft each detail according to God’s specifications.
7. Proverbs 22:29
“Do you see a man skilled in his work? He will stand before kings; he will not stand before obscure men.”
Highlights the value God places on skill and diligence in our work.
These passages show that God honors and invites the use of skill and creativity in service to Him and for others. Just like Bezalel and Oholiab, He equips us with talents to glorify Him—whether through art, craftsmanship, or teaching. Artistic work can be worship when it’s done with the right heart.
Here’s how you can use your sketchbook as a tool for worship, reflection, and spiritual connection.
1. Invite God Into the Process
Before you begin, take a moment to pray. Ask the Holy Spirit to guide your hand, your thoughts, and your heart. You don’t have to create a “perfect” drawing; the act of making becomes the offering itself. Psalm 90:17 says, “May the favor of the Lord our God rest on us; establish the work of our hands for us—yes, establish the work of our hands.”
2. Use Scripture as Inspiration
Choose a verse that speaks to you today and write it in your sketchbook. Then, respond visually. For example, if you’re reflecting on Isaiah 40:31, you might sketch wings, a rising sun, or something that symbolizes strength and renewal. This transforms scripture into a living conversation between you and God.
3. Focus on Gratitude
Your sketchbook can become a place to record blessings. Instead of words alone, draw the little things you’re thankful for: a warm cup of tea, your child’s laughter, the comfort of a cozy chair. These visual reminders turn your gratitude into a form of praise.
4. Let Go of Perfection
Worship isn’t about flawless execution—it’s about your heart posture. Don’t worry about whether your page looks “good enough.” God delights in the offering, not the outcome. Each mark, color, or line can be a prayer lifted to Him.
5. Reflect + Pray Through Your Pages
At the end of the week, flip back through what you’ve created. Notice the patterns, themes, or verses that keep resurfacing. This reflection can guide your prayers and deepen your awareness of how God is working in your life.
You don't have to be a paid artist, or have a degree in art, to enjoy the benefits of using your creativity to connect with God. Your sketchbook can be a canvas for worship, a place to meet God through tools and imagination. As you use it to connect with Him, you’ll not only grow in creativity—you’ll grow in faith.
“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord…” – Colossians 3:23