media salt

I’ll be honest, I really don’t know where I’m going with this post.  However, I think we creatives can all benefit from something God is teaching me this week.

Inadequate

Between my own experiences and conversations with other ministry creatives, I don’t think I’m too far out of line when I say we all struggle with feelings of inadequacy — to different degrees of course.  I spend so much time on a project, feeling it’s just not good enough all along the way, and when it’s complete I still think it could be better.  Does this sound like you?

Don’t get me wrong, it’s a good thing to want to take your project to the next level than the last one.  Just don’t let it drive you into the ground.

Spiritual Warfare

I’d like to send a reminder that spiritual warfare is a real thing.  Satan uses those feelings of inadequacy to make us question the abilities God has blessed us with to benefit the Kingdom.

I’m guilty of not giving spiritual warfare enough credit when I go through those dark depressing alleys of feeling inadequate and depression.

The reality is we’re on the front lines of this battle.  It might not feel like it as you sit and stare at your computer screen all day, but you’re changing lives and Satan hates that.

Perry Noble spoke about spiritual warfare and pastors on his blog a while back:

“Most preachers I know have serious bouts with depression (especially on Sunday night and Monday morning.) Every time a critic attacks it takes a chunk out of his soul…whether he admits it or not. Preachers have SERIOUS struggles WHILE preaching messages…I have literally had thoughts like, “Hey idiot, these people hate you are aren’t listening to you–they all wish you were dead.” NO–I’m NOT making that up.”

Need some encouragement?

I can think of three practical ways to snuff out those feelings when the enemy attacks.

1. Pray up:  Pray in the morning, pray when you’re going through it.  Pray when you’re not.  Ask God to get your back.  Ask God to help you recognize the fiery darts that come from Satan as opposed to the constructives of personal goals.
2. Look at your past work: The weird thing is when I go back and look at past work and projects, I question why I felt so inadequate.  I question why I ever felt inadequate.  Do you ever feel that way?  Sort of an “in your face, Satan” moment.
3. Fellowship with peers more often: I ate with a co-worker this morning, and we were able to share thoughts and feelings we had for each other’s work and struggles.  It’s amazing to compare the disconnect between how you think others feel about your skills and how they ACTUALLY feel.  More times than not it’s a positive thing.

How do you recognize and battle spiritual warfare in your life?

*The knight image used in this post is of “Bobby,” the miniature knight I keep in my office.  He’s a good reminder of the battle we face daily.