The Creative Power of Brooding

For those of us who were reared in agricultural settings, we think of brooding as that which a hen does over her eggs until her chicks are hatched. She very carefully sits with all of her eggs grouped under her with her wings extended in such a fashion that they encompass them all. She will continue this day after day until her chicks begin to peck on the shells that surround them and open their way out of the shell to the outside world.

Great works, regardless of what field they are in, are the products of prolonged brooding. There is inevitably a seed or germ of an idea that must be carefully and gently nurtured over a period of time if it is to come into fruition.

The process is just that, a process. Great inventions, great works of art, great literary works, great music, and any other creative work requires an idea to be formed and then be subjected to the process of brooding. This brooding may take a matter of hours, days, weeks or even years to develop in the mind, continuing long before there is a visible or tangible expression of it.

The Holy Spirit has never ceased to brood over mankind. He broods over unbelievers like He did the face of the deep confronting the darkness and confusion bringing spiritual light into their darkened souls bringing them for faith in Christ.

His brooding over the believer is an inner brooding that creates in us the desire to walk in obedience to Christ, live a holy life, and otherwise do the works He initiates in us.

His brooding stimulates a similar response in us creating creative responses. Out of our brooding comes great ideas, profound sermons, inspired music, compassionate ministries, and great sacrifices in which we seek to further expand the Kingdom.

The key to dynamic living is to brood over the Word of God. As God told Joshua, “This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate (brood) therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success” (Joshua 1:8).

We should take time to contemplate, ponder, and to meditate on the things of God. Life lived at a rush and in the vacuum of business, child rearing, and even churchy things can deprive one of the inner resources necessary for Godly living. It is well to take time to brood on the Lord and His Word.

Jeff