PSUMMER PSALMS EXHIBIT 1: Joy
Our meditation this summer is once again the Psalms and the focus in 2022 is “joy.” The Chapel Creatives took a look at some of the Psalms our pastors would be addressing from the pulpit and there was lots of joy to go around-- harvest joy in Psa. 126; joyful music in giving thanks in Psa. 92; joyful flourishing in the Lord symbolically depicted by majestic palm trees, cedar trees, and fruit trees, and joyful strength in the Lord who is our rock in Psa. 92; the joys of a flourishing family that fears the Lord in Psa. 128; joys like the feelings of hope and anticipation we have when viewing a sunrise in Psa. 130 and Psa. 30; the joy of hope in the Lord who is mighty and majestic like the mountains and sea in Psa. 65. We would like to ask you—when you think of your joy in the Christ, what picture comes to your mind’s eye?
Psalm 126:1-3 (ESV)
When the LORD restored the fortunes of Zion, we were like those who dream. Then our mouth was filled with laughter, and our tongue with shouts of joy; then they said among the nations, “The LORD has done great things for them.” The LORD has done great things for us; we are glad.
Psalm 128:3-4 (ESV)
Your wife will be like a fruitful vine within your house; your children will be like olive shoots around your table. Behold, thus shall the man be blessed who fears the LORD.
Note from the curator: if you are interested in getting more information from the artist or would like to discuss commissions or purchases, please contact Mike Lane at haoyisi2@gmail.com for contact information.
Sunrise Joy
By Clarabell Southerland
Bright Happy Joy 1
By Clarabell Southerland
Bright Happy Joy 2
By Clarabell Southerland
Tears of Joy
By Clarabell Southerland
God’s Blessing on the Family
Acrylic Work by Lupe Santoyo
Verse 6 of Psalm 128 says "and may you live to see your children's children." It is
always amazing how grandparents, great grandparents & great great grandparents
experience the fruit of joy with each new child. Verse 6 also says "Peace be upon
Israel." From verse 1 and 2 comes God's promise to "bless all who fear the LORD and
walk in His ways by enjoying the fruit of their labor" So another fruit is peace!
These paintings are of children in my own family that God has abundantly blessed us
with.
Why are children so important to God? Luke 18 verses 16-17 Jesus says "Let the little
children come to me and do not hinder them for the kingdom of God belongs to such
as these. I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little
child will never enter it"
May all of us be as humble as a child by fearing God and walking in His ways because
He is LORD.
God’s Promises
Pencil Work by Susan Hall
I love this dear lady's sweet expression. It speaks to me of a long life lived walking in fullness of joy! She is not beautiful by the world's standards. She is neither young nor wealthy nor fashionable. Her face is deeply engraved by the passage of time, by hardship and want. But look at that smile! I would love to sit at her knee and hear her stories, of God's faithfulness through good times and bad. I would love to hold her hand and feel her kiss on my cheek. I almost feel as if I know her, because my lineage is full of women like her, who lived hard lives in hard times and yet did not allow it to harden their hearts. They loved, simply and deeply and fiercely, and understood much that more learned people would never grasp. I drew her many years ago, and her simple wisdom and deep, abiding JOY have always made me smile.
Romans 12:12
Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.
