very present help
This painting was inspired by the multitude of Biblical scriptures regarding God’s help and His instruction for us to not be afraid. The primary scripture that inspired this painting is found in Psalm 46:1-2– “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore, will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof.” No matter what happens in life, those trusting in Him are kept safe. Storms will come, but we can always go to God for help and refuge.
God tells us in Isaiah 41:13, “For I the Lord your God, will hold your right hand, Saying to you, ‘Fear not, I will help you.”
Joshua 1:9 says to “Be strong and courageous; do not be frightened or dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
In Isaiah 46:4 it states, “Even to your old age and gray hairs I am he, I am he who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you.” Even when we feel we cannot go any further, God is strong enough to carry us.
In this painting, God’s very present help is represented by an angel revealing himself through the trees with his hand extended to help pick us up. The angel is dispatched by God to help us as it states in Psalm 91:11-12, “For he shall give his angels charge over these, to keep thee in all thy ways. They shall bear thee up in their hands, lest thou dash thy foot against a stone.”