Meeting God in the Messy Middle
Meeting God in the Messy Middle
If you've ever felt intimidated by picture-perfect Bible journaling videos or felt unsure where to begin creatively with God — you're not alone. This week on the podcast, I shared how I’m learning to meet God in the ordinary, imperfect, wonderfully sacred middle space of creativity. What follows is a story of real life, real journaling, and real connection with our Creator.
A Simple Start: One Verse, One Question
Some mornings, it’s just one verse. That’s all I need. Today, it was Proverbs 9:10:
"The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight."
That verse led me on a journey — not just to understanding, but to connection. What does it mean to gain insight into the heart of God? To revere Him not in fear, but in awe and closeness?
I began journaling. Writing what came. Drawing what I felt. Sketching thoughts. It wasn’t planned. It wasn’t polished. But it was a moment with God. And that’s the point.
We often think quiet time needs to look a certain way — 30 minutes of Bible study, a carefully crafted prayer, maybe a study guide in hand. And while that can be beautiful, it’s not the only way. Sometimes, all God asks of us is a soft heart and a willing spirit.
One morning, after reading Proverbs 9:10, I found myself stuck on the word “insight.” I know what it means, but I looked it up anyway. The definition said: “having an accurate and deep understanding of something or someone.”
That struck me. Deep understanding of God — not just facts, but knowing Him. Seeking His wisdom, listening for His heart.
When the Pages Feel Too Thin
Now let me confess something.
I used to get overwhelmed just looking at my journaling Bible. The pages are thin, almost see-through. I worried I’d ruin them. Add watercolour and I might tear them. Draw something “wrong” and I’d have to look at it every time I turned to that page.
And then there were the YouTube videos — layers and layers of beautiful brush strokes, lettering, stickers, embossing… oh my! It looked like a scrapbook meets a fine art gallery.
Lovely, yes. But completely intimidating.
It’s easy to forget that those perfect pages were made with time, experience, editing — and maybe a second Bible or two. Mine? Mine were wobbly. Mine bled. Mine looked like a toddler had joined me.
And yet, God was in them.
There’s something sacred about paint that spills over, hearts that bleed through, and sketch lines that go a little crooked. Because our faith is like that. Not always neat. But deeply honest.
A Morning Rhythm That Feels Like Grace
I believe God is gently training me — not in productivity, but in presence.
Some mornings I wake up at 4:30. Not because I set an alarm, but because I feel gently nudged. And in that still-dark quiet, I open the Psalms.
Psalm 1 on Monday. Psalm 2 on Tuesday. And so on.
I read just one verse. Then I ask, “Lord, what are You showing me here?”
Sometimes He says something. Sometimes He doesn’t. Sometimes I write out my thoughts, a prayer, a half-sentence. Sometimes I sketch. It could be a shape, a heart, a flower, a swirl. I’m not trying to be an artist. I’m just responding.
That response is a form of worship.
And that rhythm? It feels like grace.
The Heart Behind the Art
One morning I was praying for a dear friend in hospital. She’d had heart issues and a bypass surgery a year or so ago. As I prayed, I began sketching a heart — not a perfect symmetrical one, but one full of texture and movement. I added flowers, mountains, roots. It grew from the centre outward.
And as I painted, I sensed God’s presence.
Not because the drawing was lovely. But because He was with me.
It reminded me — this creative practice is not about making something impressive. It’s about connecting with the One who created us.
What Julia Cameron Taught Me (While Driving to a Work Meeting)
Driving to a work meeting last week, I was listening to Julia Cameron’s Walking in This World. She talks about walking as a sacred part of the creative process.
Movement clears the mind. Invites ideas. Opens space.
She also speaks of “artist dates” — taking yourself out to do something playful, just for you.
That morning, I remembered a time I’d taken a little concertina sketchbook and watercolours to the beach. I sat beside a loud family — the grandad and the teenage son were arguing. It was awkward. But I stayed. I painted what I saw: shells, seaweed, footprints.
It felt indulgent. But holy.
Because I was creating in God’s creation.
Creative Habits (Even If You Have ADHD Like Me)
I have ADHD. I’m not naturally structured. Routines are hard.
So if you’re reading this and thinking, “That sounds lovely but I’d never stick to it…” — please know, I get it.
But forming a creative quiet time isn’t about getting it right every day.
It’s about returning. Again and again. Whether it’s once a week or once a day. Whether it’s three full pages or just a post-it note prayer.
God isn’t grading your journal.
He’s meeting you there.
Comparison Will Kill Your Joy — Connection Will Heal It
One of the biggest hurdles? Comparison.
We compare our pages. Our pace. Our insights. Our art supplies.
But your quiet time isn’t a competition.
Your pages are sacred because you made them — in love, in faith, in conversation with the Holy One.
You were made fearfully and wonderfully — not to match, but to meet with Him.
When we let go of perfection and choose presence, creativity becomes an act of worship.
Your Quiet Time Can Be…
Sketching your prayer
Walking while listening for God
Journaling your conversation with Jesus
Writing your to-do list and surrendering it to Him
Doodling while meditating on one verse
This is your permission to begin. Messy. Uncertain. Curious.
Let it be enough.
This Week’s Invitation:
If you’re inside the Creative Sanctuary, you’ve got resources waiting for you — including a Wisdom Journal and prompts to help you begin. If you’re not yet part of our community, you’re warmly invited.
Just start with one verse. Sit with it. Ask God: “What are You teaching me?”
And then respond — in whatever way feels true.
A Heart That Bled (and What It Taught Me)
There’s a part of my journaling page this week where the red paint from the heart bled into the blue.
I could’ve been upset.
But as I looked at it, I heard God say, “My heart bleeds into every part of yours — if you let Me.”
That moment? That was church. That was worship.
Resources Mentioned: 🖍️ Zentangle Workshop – Just 6 Days Away!
🛍️ Shop Creative Faith Journals
🎧 Listen to the Latest Podcast
Let this be your sacred invitation: You don’t need a plan. You just need to show up.
With blessings,
Bev
Bev x
Want to Experience This Through Art?
Join me for my next free Creative Calm Workshop:
Drawn to Peace: A Prayerful Zentangle Workshop✨ A live, Spirit-led session where we combine Zentangle patterns with prayer, reflection, and journaling.
📅 Thursday 28th August at 8:00 PM UK / 3:00 PM Eastern⏳ Replay available for 24 hours only👉 Save your free spot here: https://creativesoulspace.com/zen25
Let’s stop striving. Let’s start creating from a place of grace.
You are unfinished. And that is sacred.
