hope in the valley
This painting is inspired by the Biblical scripture Psalm 23:4, “Even though I walk through the darkest valley (valley of the shadow of death), I will fear no evil, for you are with me…”
The figure in this painting is in a dark canyon, which symbolizes those times in our lives where we are most fearful, alone, or lost. It’s during these times where we need God’s power, strength, and courage (represented by the lion) to get us through our dark places. The Lord God tells us in
1 Corinthians 16:13, “Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong.” In fact, there are more than 365 instances in the Bible where God implores us to not be afraid! Why? Because God is with us, there is no safer place. So, there is no need to be afraid.
What’s even better is that we are given hope, which is represented in this painting by the olive tree near flowing water. If we have God in our lives, there is always hope. Jeremiah 17:7-8 says, “But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him. They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.” In fact, the Bible refers to God as “living water,” which never runs dry. Therefore, if we have God in our lives, no matter wilderness valleys we experience , we are not consumed. In fact, we can thrive, just as the tree planted by water. Psalm 62:5-6 says, “Yes, my soul, find rest in God; my hope comes from him. Truly he is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress; I will not be shaken.”