I was talking to my older brother this past week about something I was worried about. We just finished a conversation about how as Christians we are supposed to keep each other accountable. After I told him my worry, he simply just said, well you know it’s a sin to worry too.
I wanted to defend my worry, like I have a right to it, but it really just opened my eyes to how comfortable I am in that sin.
I pray everyday that God’s will be done in my life. Yet almost every day I find myself worrying or anxious about something.
I know in my heart that God wants what’’s best for me, but actually living that belief out every day is hard. I say I give it all to him, but I keep a little worry for myself.
I was brought back to my "Be Still" series and reminded of what God spoke into my heart so clearly.
"When we put into perspective how mighty and how good our God is, bask in His Glory, pray to Him and read His word, it can drive the fear right out of our hearts and give us so much hope for the future. Our God will never leave us or foresake us"
Excerpt from my blog--"Be Still & Know"
The message of hope that God has brought on my heart for this new series of paintings can only happen if I drive out the fears and worries I still have in my heart.
What will drive out my worries and fears?
God is so clear in His word. His love is the answer.
Love Him and you won't fear. Love Him and be filled with Hope. Hope in Him and be filled with joy and peace.
"There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love."
1 John 4:18
"And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose."
Romans 8:28
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.”
Romans15:13
Our God is constant and never failing. Our God is so so good. His love is perfect. Let us put our hope in him!
"Hope," a landscape series, will be collection of paintings inspired by the photos and memories of your favorite places.
To submit a photo for this series, you can shoot me an email, text or message. I love a good story/memory, so please feel free to include that as well!
Sending a photo in no way obligates you to purchase the painting I make, BUT you will get first look at the painting before it goes on sale to the public!
I might not be able to paint every photo submitted, but as always, you can reach out to me about a commission. I am hoping to paint 30 of the 50 states. I need your help! So far I have painted Tennessee, Maine, California, and Wyoming.
I will be adding each painting from this series to my website as it is finished!
Thanks so much for reading!
Shelby Leigh Kizer