For by Him all things were created, both in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things have been created through Him and for Him. —Colossians 1:16 NASB

Picture this: I’m standing on the cliff tops of Sorrento, Italy, gazing at Mount Vesuvius, completely awestruck by God’s creation. It made me think about how Jesus crafted every detail, big and small. The vastness of His creativity really hit me—especially after seeing masterpieces like Michelangelo’s statue of David in Florence and the Sistine Chapel in Rome. Michelangelo spent years perfecting his art, but God created the world in just six days. What incredible power and imagination!

Thinking about all this made me reflect on art in general. As a Christian and an artist, I’ll be honest—sometimes I am frustrated with how long it takes to finish a painting that I feel is good enough to frame and hang on the wall. Maybe you’ve felt the same with your own projects? I ask myself: Is this a good use of my time? Why am I doing this—am I painting to escape, to impress others, or to honor God? Honestly, when I paint, it often feels like worship. Sometimes I sense the Holy Spirit guiding my hands to create something beautiful, even when I’m aware of my own limitations. Isn’t that amazing? God still creates through us, His children. We’re made in His image, and that means we share in His creativity.

With all these thoughts swirling around, I can’t help but turn to a bigger question: Why am I here? (And no, I don’t just mean sitting in my kitchen with my laptop!) I mean, why was I created in the first place? To answer that, I think we need to first look at who Jesus is. Once we understand Him, our own purpose comes into focus. That’s why I keep coming back to Colossians for answers.

He [Jesus] is also head of the body, the church; and He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, so that He Himself will come to have first place in everything. For it was the Father’s good pleasure for all the fullness to dwell in Him, and through Him to reconcile all things to Himself, whether things on earth or things in heaven, having made peace through the blood of His cross. —Colossians 1:18-20 NASB

Jesus is God, the firstborn of all creation—not in the sense of being created, but as the rightful heir. Everything belongs to Him, made by Him and for Him. He’s the head of the Church, leading us for our good. And here’s the best part: Jesus died on that cross in our place because He loves us more than we can imagine. If you ever have one of those days when you feel unlovable, just remember the cross. You are deeply loved—no exceptions.

Now, circling back to the question, why am I here? Paul’s prayer in Colossians 9-12, though directed at the Colossian church, gives a clear picture of our purpose and draws our focus to pleasing and being one with our loving Savior.

For this reason we also, since the day we heard about it, have not ceased praying for you and asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so that you will walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, to please Him in all respects, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; strengthened with all power, according to His glorious might, for the attaining of all perseverance and patience; joyously giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified us to share in the inheritance of the saints in light. —Colossians 1:9-12 NASB

We’re called to be filled with knowledge of His will, like a body responding to the brain. As we grow in spiritual wisdom and let Jesus guide our hearts, minds, and actions, we begin to walk in a way that honors Him. We please Him, bear good fruit, and keep learning more about God. And when things get tough, He gives us the strength to stay patient, steady, and joyfully thankful for all He’s done.

When we step into this relationship with Christ, we become one with Him—He’s the head, and we’re His body. We all work together, but each of us also has a personal, intimate connection with Him. We’re fearfully and wonderfully made! (See Psalm 139:14). And here’s the beautiful part: no matter what your gifts are—whether you’re creative in art, math, helping others, praying—God is glorified when you use them. Loving, creating, helping, praying, dealing with tough people, writing, painting, hugging—whatever we do, we can do it for the Lord and bring Him pleasure. That’s why we’re here.

Father, thank you for creating the universe and all that is in it. We are Your workmanship, and You, Lord, do not make mistakes. Give me the desire to please You in all I do until I see You face to face. Let my life reflect Your glory and love, embracing my purpose to serve and honor You daily. Amen.

Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and
peace in believing, that you may abound in hope
by the power of the Holy Spirit (Romans 15:13 NJKV)
Marlene McKenna

Sweet Selah Ministries

Vision
To inspire a movement away from the belief that “busy is better”
and toward the truth of God’s Word that stillness and knowing
Him matter most—and will be reflected in more effective work and service

Mission
To offer biblical resources and retreats that help women pause (Selah)
and love God more deeply as they know Him more intimately (Sweet)

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