FREE FICTION READING BELOW
“Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life? And why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.
Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.”
Matthew 6: 26-29, 34 (ESV)
Consider the Birds
~Artist Statement~
Perhaps my most persistent struggle has been anxiety.
What will happen tomorrow? Two years from now?
What if I’m not enough for what is asked of me?
What if opportunities don’t provide themselves?
What if the worst happens?
This fear is a slavedriver that used to hold me in bondage, keeping my eyes trained on the ground, neck bent with burden.
But when you know what Jesus has already accomplished for you, that your life is purchased for freedom’s sake, that you might live life abundantly and to the full, you can reject the slavery of fear and anxiety.
This is not to say we will never be afraid or anxious. Finding food and clothes are valid concerns. But God gives us the opportunity to be more than beasts of burden, to set our eyes and minds on things above, to live for more: to live for His kingdom in a close, loving relationship with him, one day at a time.
When you experience the consistent provision of God, the love of one who goes before you and behind you, who will not forsake you, who longs to bless you more than you can ask or imagine, who is not content to let you live in your broken smallness but yerns to make you magnificent, his very own son or daughter, then you will live in freedom, no longer fearing the future.
Then . . . you will fly.
Dear Reader,
Happy Easter! I hope your weekends are filled with good company and good chocolate. If you don’t like chocolate, I feel very sorry for you.
I recently had the honor of a commission for my church. The result is the above painting. If you would like your own copy, they are available for purchase on my website. Also, until April 22nd, if you subscribe to this newsletter I will send you a free print from my Shatterscapes series as a thank you.
The church which commissioned the above painting is set on pasture land, and it used to be a working barn. Not only are the grounds pastorally stunning (with broad fields, woodland brooks, and forest trails), but the people who attend are beautiful human beings. I count myself very fortunate to know them.
If you’re looking for a church to attend this Easter, I recommend The Barn, also called “Covenant Presbyterian Church.” The address is 124 Old Farms Road, Simsbury CT. 9am service in the Hayloft, 10:30am in the Celebration Hall.
Many Blessings,