In 2 Timothy 1:6, when Paul tells Timothy, "Wherefore I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God, which is in thee by the putting on of my hands.", he's reminding him that what God placed inside him won't flourish on autopilot. Artists know what it feels like for inspiration to fade or for self-doubt to settle in, but the embers of what God planted don't disappear - they just need tending. Paul's words are a gentle reminder, bringing to remembrance the truth that we are to keep our gift of holy spirit stirred up, active, and brilliantly illuminating everything we do. Stir it, wake it back up, and give it attention.


Paul follows this with the reassurance of verse 7, "For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.", reminding Timothy - and us - that fear isn't from God. This matters for artists because creative work often feels vulnerable, uncertain, or easily judged. But God has given us power to create boldly, love to ground our motives, and a sound mind to guide our discipline and focus. We stand approved before God, and what we produce is for Him. In other words, we're not meant to hide our creativity out of fear or hesitation. The gift itself - and the courage to use it - are already within us. As the gift is stirred within, the working and energizing of God comes into reality.