The Artist's Identity: Rooted and SecureSample

Living from the Overflow

The ultimate secret to a secure artistic identity? Living from overflow rather than striving. When we abide in Christ—drawing our life, worth, and purpose from Him—creativity flows naturally. We're not trying to prove ourselves or earn our place. We're simply letting His life flow through us.

I used to approach my art with clenched fists, trying to squeeze out brilliance, desperate to create something that would validate my existence. Now I approach with open hands, receiving what He gives, offering what He inspires. The pressure is off because I'm not the source—He is.

This doesn't mean creativity is always easy or inspiration constant. But it means that even in difficult seasons, I'm drawing from an infinite source rather than my finite resources. My identity isn't based on what I produce but on whose I am. My security isn't found in outcomes but in relationship.

When you live from this overflow, criticism loses its sting because you're not defending yourself—you're simply sharing what He's given. Rejection becomes redirection because you trust His plans. Comparison fades because you're too busy being who He created you to be to worry about being someone else.

This is the artist's ultimate freedom: creating not to become someone but because of who you already are in Christ. Your identity is settled, your worth established, your purpose clear. Now you're free to create with joy, experiment with courage, and impact the world with the unique expression of God's image He's placed within you.

Creative Prayer Exercise: Spend extended time in worship and prayer before creating today. Don't rush to your work. Let yourself be filled with His presence first. Then create from that overflow, noticing how it changes both your process and your peace.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You that my identity is eternally secure in Christ. I choose to abide in You, drawing everything I need from Your infinite resources. Free me from striving and self-reliance. Let my creativity flow from the overflow of Your life in me. May others see Your glory through the freedom and joy with which I create. Use my secure identity to give others permission to find their security in You. In Jesus' name, Amen.

My friend, your identity crisis ends here. You are not what you create. You are not others' opinions. You are not your successes or failures. You are a beloved child of God who happens to be an artist, not an artist trying to earn God's love.

Let this truth sink deep into your bones. Let it inform every creative decision. Let it guard your heart against the enemy's attacks. When you know who you are, you're free to create what He's called you to create without fear, comparison, or striving.

The world desperately needs artists who create from secure identity—whose work carries the freedom and joy of knowing they're already loved, already chosen, already enough. Be that artist. Create from that place. Watch how God uses your security to bring others home to theirs.

Rooted and secure, Creating from identity not for it, This is the way of the Kingdom artist.

– Matt Tommey

An Invitation to Go Deeper

If this devotional stirred something in your heart… if you've felt a longing to go deeper into healing, into purpose, and into your creative calling—I want to invite you into something more.

The Created to Thrive Foundations Course is a guided, self-paced journey for Christian creatives who want to renew their minds, connect with God's design for their life and art, and begin creating from a place of freedom and alignment. It's not about doing more—it's about becoming whole. Inside, you'll get powerful teaching, practical tools, and lifelong access to keep growing with the Lord.

Find out more about The Foundations Course here: https://www.matttommeymentoring.com/foundations

You were created to thrive. Spirit, soul, and body. Let's walk this journey together.