The motivation for this painting was to express God’s creation as pure – so a white unique flower was my choice. I found the ‘Lisianthus Mariachi Pure White’ flower at the nursery and knew this would be the one. It was going to represent my favorite verse:

“Whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, whatever is admirable, and if anything is worthy of praise, think on these things.”  Philippians 4:8

Years ago, I found this scripture as the inspiration for how I would express myself in paintings, and it became my life verse. It’s meaning grew through the years to help direct how I think, how I interact with people, and how I honor God. I am still in that learning process. But this verse is sandwiched between 2 other noteworthy passages that bring yet a deeper truth.

If we jump back to verse 6, we find: “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God “  Philippians 4:6

If we do what we are told to do, then a gift will be given. In verse 7 we read, “And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, shall guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

We’ll be given peace. Not a little bit of peace. But God’s perfect peace. That’s our gift.

There’s more. We read again, “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God” Now slide down to verse 8. It says, “The things that you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things; and the peace of God shall be with you.”

So, what I am learning, is that the way to find peace, is to follow what these passages say. We all have a life filled with difficult times. We deal with strained relationships, financial struggles, physical infirmities and pain, loss of loved ones, dreams unmet, or prayers seemingly unanswered. God has a true promise for us in these verses.

If we depend on Him, with thanksgiving, then we will find peace.
If our thoughts are focused on what is true, honorable, right, pure, lovely, admirable, or worthy of praise, then we will find God’s perfect peace.

And finally, if we take action and practice these things, then we will live in PEACE.

And just in case you are needing a bit of help to do the things mentioned above, God has an answer for that as well. Jump down a couple verses to Philippians 4:13, where God promises that: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthen me.”

Ask Him to help you, and He will!

My hope is that you will be encouraged by these promises as you focus on this painting.

May God richly bless you!       Linda