Joe Cheesman “Finding Creativity When You’ve Got Nothing Left”

There’s a fear that lives inside anyone who does creative work for a living…

What happens when I’ve got nothing special to say?

No clever thought.
No fresh angle.
No emotional energy.
Just a 12 second post to hit and a break to fill.

In Christian radio, creativity isn’t optional. We’re expected to be encouraging, thoughtful, hopeful, and engaging every single break. And most of the time, we pull it off. But eventually, there’s a morning when the well feels dry, and the words don’t come as easily as they normally do.

I used to think that meant I was failing or that I didn’t prepare enough.

Now I’m learning it means I’m human.

The bible talks about moments like this. In 2 Corinthians 4:7, “We have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us.” Jars of clay were ordinary and easily broken, and that’s exactly the point Paul was making. God places His power inside weak, human vessels so it’s unmistakably clear where the power comes from.

When God works through us, especially in our weakness, it becomes obvious that the impact isn’t from our talent or strength, but from Him.

Somewhere along the way, we’ve bought into the lie that creativity equals effort. If I just tried harder, prayed longer, prepared more, I’d never run out of creativity. But the longer I’ve been in the industry, the more I’ve realized something uncomfortable: God never intended me to be the source.

Creativity isn’t something I can manufacture, it’s something I receive.

There are days when I sit in the studio and realize I’ve been asking the wrong question. Instead of “What can I say today?” maybe the better prayer is “God, what are You already doing… and how can I point to that?”

Not every creative moment shines. Some are simply rooted in honesty.

It’s admitting on-air, without oversharing, that life is heavy at times.
It’s choosing sincerity over cleverness.
It’s trusting that a simple truth, spoken humbly, can do more than a perfectly crafted and polished break.

Jesus said, “Apart from Me, you can do nothing” (John 15:5). Not “less.” Not “some.” Nothing. And yet we still show up every day pretending the pressure is on us to produce something meaningful on our own.

Some of the most meaningful moments I’ve ever shared on-air didn’t come from inspiration…they came from surrender. From showing up empty and saying, “God, if You don’t fill this space, it’s going to stay empty.”

And somehow… He always does.

Not always with fireworks.
Not always with polish.
But with truth. With peace. With exactly what someone needed to hear.

So, if you’re in that season where the ideas feel forced and the passion feels thin…don’t assume you’re failing. You might be in the perfect place to be used.

Because when the creative tank is empty, there’s finally room for God to do what only He can do.

And sometimes, that’s where the most honest and real creativity begins.

Joe Cheesman is the Midday Host at The River in Columbus, Ohio. With over a decade of radio experience, Joe has worked across a variety of formats in markets such as Sioux Falls, Fargo, Orlando, Kansas City, and Columbus. Since 2016, he has focused primarily on Christian radio. Reach out at jcheesman@RiverRadio.com