Purpose Study Bible 264: Creative Commemoration

After Deborah led a victory for God's people over their enemies, we read what she and the others did:

On that day Deborah and Barak son of Abinoam sang this song (Judges 5:1).

And what was "that day" referred to in this verse?

On that day God subdued Jabin king of Canaan before the Israelites. And the hand of the Israelites pressed harder and harder against Jabin king of Canaan until they destroyed him (Judged 4:23-24).

Deborah composed and sang a song to commemorate God's faithfulness after the battle was won. In other words, she and the people engaged in a creative act and the words of that act were recorded so every generation could read and celebrate what God did.

I'm not equating your creativity with the inspired Word of God, but I'm simply pointing out that creativity is a God-given human response to life. You've enjoyed victories and suffered setbacks in your life's journey. One of the things God gave you to help interpret and respond to the events of life is for you to express your creativity in both high and low times.

What is your creative strength? Is it baking, cooking, sewing, composing, writing, rhyming, painting, singing, speaking, dancing, teaching, building, or some other expression? How are you using that strength, as a hobby or an important weapon and tool in your worship arsenal? Do you celebrate your victories in God by producing something creative that's consistent with who God made you to be?

Deborah and the other leaders didn't go home and carry on with their day-to-day duties until they had produced a creative work that described and commemorated God's faithfulness in their deliverance. Isn't it about time for you to use your creativity as a means to testify to others of God's goodness to you?