As often happens, I am led along a train of thought while painting any given picture. This image of a Pink Mariachi Lisianthus flower held a vivid thought of joy – so beautifully crafted by the master’s hand.

I listened to continuous music which focuses my brush strokes and enjoyed painting this flower immensely. But I didn’t know what verse really expressed my inner thoughts.

On one of the final days of painting, I found myself singing along to every song, receiving more and more joy. I have chronic pain from a spinal cord injury, so to experience that kind of joy while painting was amazing.

The next morning, I read the day’s message from “Jesus Calling’, a wonderful devotional. And there it was. My verse for this painting.

Psalm 28:7 “My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to him in song”.

Finding the full expression for this painting would have been more than enough. But God often gives far more than what we ask.

The verse begins with, “The Lord is my strength and my shield. I trust Him with all my heart. He helps me and my heart is filled with joy. I burst out in songs of thanksgiving”.

The reason my heart leaps for joy, is because God is my strength and shield. When my strength is wavering, and I feel spent in stress, or weariness or pain, God lifts me up.

I am encouraged knowing that He will carry me and build me up by His almighty strength. His shield is there to protect me from my enemies, from temptation, from loneliness, from despair.

What an amazing truth to hold onto! What an amazing privilege to praise and give thanks to my God!