This painting is an image I saw during some time spent with Jesus. In it, I saw a line of paintings, then a tiger cub face painting, and then another line of paintings. I felt like God was speaking to me about freedom and enjoying creating.
Many of my paintings come from the time I spend with Jesus. I paint them both to remember and process them. A time before this I was telling God that it would be cool if he showed me a tiger cub so I could paint that. I was kind of joking around and forgot about it afterward. I just didn’t feel like they represented anything to me except beauty and maybe strength.
When I saw the image, I felt freedom in it. It felt like God was telling me to paint it just because I had an appreciation for them. Shortly after that I opened my bible to 1 Timothy 6:17:
“Command those who are rich in the present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment.“
My eyes were drawn to the italicized part which was underlined in my bible. My heart was struck that God gives us all things, including things to do, for our enjoyment. This is so amazing that God not only has a plan and work for us, but that he has enjoyment for us in it. I had gotten stuck in trying to figure out some problems. When we see his heart of love for us it swallows up so much of the yuck.
God is not a man. He isn’t just trying to get out of you what he can. He is a good father who desires to lavish his love on you. The purpose he gives is not just for us to do for him. God gives us more than purpose. There is joy to be had in his plan.
For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. (Jer.29:11)
It seems that narrow road that we are walking has legalism and religion on one side with sin and lawlessness on the other. Neither of those is good or fulfilling.
Let yourself enjoy whatever is in front of you. Regardless of the push and pull of life, you can expect good things from a loving father. He has good things in store for you. Look for and expect his goodness. His plan is for every area of your life.
I pray that your heart receives God’s best for you today and that it be filled with his love and joy.
(Still deciding on a title. Feel free to give suggestions.)
Melicia Evans 