Images

I recently had the opportunity to attend a wonderful performance of Debussy’s Images done by one of the world’s finest orchestras. The music painted pictures of images that the composer had in his mind and wished to communicate to an audience of listeners. The watercolor on the left is a picture of a village lane. My love of the quaint and nostalgic as well as my longing for tranquility motivates me to paint such scenes. They are merely images of what I perceive will communicate those ideas. Images are simply that! They are not reality!

What is reality? Truth is reality! But, what is truth? Psalm 119:160 says, “The sum of Your word is truth, and every one of Your righteous ordinances is everlasting.” In John chapter 8, Jesus said, “If you abide in My word, then you are truly disciples of Mine; and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.” And again in John 14, “I am the way, and the truth and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me.”

God’s Word is full of images… images that are based on truth. One of my favorite Psalms is Psalm 1. “How blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, nor stand in the path of sinners, nor sit in the seat of scoffers! But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and in His law he meditates day and night. He will be like a tree firmly planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in its season and its leaf does not wither; and in whatever he does, he prospers…” What an image of strength, health and success! In the New Testament book of John, Jesus paints a vivid picture – “I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing.”

How can we obtain a reality that is filled with blessings and peace? Psalm 37:4 says, “Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart.” This does not mean that worldly desires are going to be granted. When we truly delight ourselves in the Lord, our hearts are changed. Our longings and desires become transformed to that which pleases God and brings us great peace and joy. Sometimes the most abundant peace and joy comes in midst of trials and suffering. The book of Job paints an amazing picture of a man who suffered greatly but remained faithful to God. Job said, “But He (God) knows the way I take; when He has tried me, I shall come forth as gold.” I believe that some of the most exemplary saints are those who have gone through the refining fires of trial and suffering and have come forth shining like gold. Their lives are a picture of strength, health and success! Their joy is indescribable! Peace and tranquility belong to them because they trust in God’s sovereign plan. They know that He is good and that He is accomplishing His purposes through their circumstances.

Ron Hamilton, a contemporary hymn writer wrote the following hymn after going through an intense trial. This hymn has often been a source of comfort and encouragement to me and I hope that you will be blessed by the words. You can hear it sung by Ron Hamilton at this link.

http://www.majestymusic.com/p-165-rejoice-in-the-lord-cd.aspx

O REJOICE IN THE LORD

God never moves without purpose or plan

When trying His servant and molding a man.

Give thanks to the LORD though your testing seems long;

In darkness He giveth a song.

I could not see through the shadows ahead;

So I looked at the cross of my Savior instead

I bowed to the will of the Master that day;

Then peace came and tears fled away.

Now I can see testing comes from above;

God strengthens His children and purges in love.

My Father knows best, and I trust in His care;

Through purging more fruit I will bear.

Chorus:

O Rejoice in the LORD

He makes no mistake,

He knoweth the end of each path that I take,

For when I am tried

And purified,

I shall come forth as gold.