I hear the words “be still” said a lot by people as a reminder to quiet this world we are in, quiet the social media voices, quiet the well-meaning people giving us advice, and sometimes, quiet our own thoughts in order to hear God’s voice. The world can be an all-too noisy and fast-paced environment that can feel as if we are being rushed from one day to the next.
For the painting “Love’s Sweet Light,” I used inspiration from Psalm 46:10, “Be still and know that I am God.” I think this Psalm speaks not to the literal state of “sitting still” but instead serves as advice for when we are mentally and emotionally worrying. Too often, I get anxious over things that are silly in the big scheme of life. And yet, they take up part of my thoughts and time, which are always better spent focusing on God instead.
I was inspired to create poetry to go with this painting. The words say: “Love’s sweet light, flowing gently, kindly leading” and they are included with book pages to the right of the girl. I like to imagine these words dancing before her, reminding her to be still and know that she is loved, and God is in control.
I talk more about this particular painting, and the inspiration Psalm that goes with it, in my book, Painting the Psalms. 
