Worship Art from the past – Falling into the Hands of God

This is one of my favorite paintings that I painted during a worship service at The River Church, back on June 29, 2008. I noticed that I didn’t have any blog posts about it, most likely because it was before I built my website. This painting isn’t for sale, as I felt God wanted me to give it to a dear friend. It brings me great joy to be a blessing, in one way or another, to those around me.

I have received a lot of strong reactions, both good and bad, on this painting, especially lately. So, I thought I would give a little info on this painting, what I was thinking and feeling, etc.

“Why does it look like someone committing suicide?”

Well, it does look that way, but the whole painting is highly metaphorical, and should be viewed objectively (I hope). Most of the paintings I paint are that way, and not literal, physical things.

Let’s start with the Lighthouse. The Bible says of God’s word “Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.” (Psalm 119:105). This is often depicted as an oil lamp to wandering souls or, like in this case, a light house to sailors at sea to follow.

Now, look in the middle, bottom. There are jagged rocks at the bottom of the cliff. These represent the destruction and hopelessness of mankind in a world that has fallen to sin, and corruption stemming from that sin.

Next, you see the little man who has jumped off the cliff… That represents anyone who has reached that breaking point where there is no hope, no way out, no light at the end of the tunnel, etc. It seems like there is nothing left to keep them going. I’ve been there before, as have many others, I know.

Finally, there are the hands in the center. These are the hands of God, who is there to give us hope and a life. He is there to catch us when we fall and lift us back up again. He is always there, even at the lowest of our lowest moments in life. Even when we think there’s no way out of whatever is binding us up. He is there. He is waiting. Always.

“Falling into the Hands of God” is meant as an image of just that. When we’ve exhausted our own strength and knowledge, and we have nowhere left to turn, jump into the hands of God and let Him handle it. Let God intervene and lead us with His plan for our lives.

I hope this might clear some things up, and maybe even touch your spirit and mind in a new way. Thank you, and God bless!