This was painted during a time that I was discouraged and really struggling with trusting God. We had been going through a really hard season and I was so weary of this trial that we had been in. I didn’t feel like God was with me.

The Inspiration to the painting

As I stared out my window while washing dishes, I gazed at this tree and it was so beautiful. The leaves were every color, but I knew from experience in just a couple days it would be completely brown and then barren. I felt like this tree! My love for the Lord used to be growing, beautiful, and vibrant. I knew the trial that I was in wouldn’t last only a couple days, but rather months just like this tree as in went through winter,  BUT GOD (aren’t those great words) would revive this tree again come spring. I knew it would have new growth that was vibrant, lush, and healthy. In that moment I also knew that God would do that for me too. I could rest in his promise that he would never leave or forsake me. That just like he tends to this tree through the seasons, he would be with me too.

This verse came to my mind “You who have made me see many troubles and calamities will revive me again; from the depths of the earth you will bring me up again.” Psalm 71:20 Oh God, you are so good! You will never leave us, especially in the trials! I cried, prayed, and worshiped as I worked on this painting and slowly my heart was changed to trust him through it all…even when I am completely barren and empty.

My hope is that the story behind this painting will help you cling to Christ in whatever trial you are in today. He knows what you are going through and is with you through it. He will revive you again!