Advice from Psalm 46

By |Published On: April 27, 2020|Categories: Inspiration, Joni's Artwork, Joni's Posts|

When light breaks through the darkness, you feel a sense of relief and calm.

Like you, I’m always comforted by the words of Psalm 46:10, “Be still, and know that I am God.”

I’ve seen it cross-stitched on wall hangings, displayed on bedside plaques, and blazoned across beautiful sunset photos on calendars. But Psalm 46 is not as ‘romantic’ nor nostalgic as those decorative items would have us believe. Rather, the Psalm begins with these stirring words, “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Then, the psalmist lists those troubles: earthquakes, mountains crumbling, typhoons roaring, heathen raging, kingdoms in upheaval, and global wars. So, “Be still, and know that I am Godcan lose some of its potency when you remove it from its context.

Psalm 46 is actually a tour guide through the “vast desolations” of the earth – it’s no picnic on a manicured lawn.

It’s why I love the last few words of Psalm 46, “Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!

That’s a good reminder for me and you as we live in this season of such fear and uncertainty. With all the headlines surrounding COVID-19, we might consider it a plague to be named among those other desolations described in Psalm 46! But God is saying that he is exalted above any epidemic on earth.

Yet there’s more to be said about Psalm 46:10, filled with its serene, commanding call to “be still” before the Lord. Because that sense of God-inspired stillness is exactly what I was trying to capture when I painted A Light in the Forest.

As a little girl wandering the woods which bordered our Maryland farm, I recall becoming disoriented on an unfamiliar path – suddenly, that forest became a dark place filled with fear and uncertainty.

Where was I? Where is the path I should be on?!

For a moment, I was frightened. And then I heard my older sister’s voice echoing back up the path. In that instant, my fear vanished; I knew where I was… all because I knew where she was.

Perhaps you’ve had a similar experience in a dark woods. You take a side trail, lose your way, pause to look around, and realize… you are lost.

But when light breaks through the darkness, you feel a sense of relief and calm. You recognize the angle of the sun’s rays and you remember which way is north. You know where you are… all because you know where the sun is. And soon? You follow those rays and find your way to safety.

Or, perhaps your memories of times in a forest have been much more pleasant. Perhaps a cloud momentarily shadows your path and darkens your surroundings, but then a stream of warm, brilliant light breaks through – the sight inspires you and it becomes a serendipitous invitation to worship! It is as though you’ve stumbled upon your own personal cathedral where you can lift praises to God.

That experience of light breaking through the darkness is one I kept ruminating on as I worked on this painting. I wanted to show the stunning way that light can transform a dark place. And so to do this, I pulled out my watercolors, pastel pencils, ink, felt-tip pen, and even my acrylic paints! This was no “one and done” method for displaying the effects of light. I experimented with all manner of utensils, strokes and methods to get this rendering, just so.

And isn’t that just how God illumines the darkness of your uncertainty? There’s no cookie-cutter solution that he hands down. He wants to be your refuge and strength in the specific struggles of your life. He perfectly tailors his comfort and guidance to your needs. (And I trust you are experiencing his strength and comforting presence in the midst of this current health crisis).

Oh friend, do you long to find a fortress safe from the turmoil around you? Then, meditate on the entirety of Psalm 46. Use this season of health protocols, such as social-distancing and quarantine to ‘get alone with God,’ find peace and calmness in his presence, and be still before our Almighty God. For he is your Light in any time of darkness.

–Joni Eareckson Tada

A Light in the Forest Art Print

Joni’s beautiful painting captures iridescent sunlight falling through trees, transforming a dark forest into a cathedral of praise! Fill your home and heart with the “Light of Christ” as you gaze on this beautiful art print!

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