Firm Foundation - Worship

In May, I went to a candlelight concert at the Santa Barbara Music Academy of the West. My eyes were drawn to a mysterious ancient tree in the garden that looked hundreds of years old. Its strong roots, like the talons of an eagle, were firmly dug into the earth, and its countless branches reached up to the sky as if extending its arms. It reminded me of Psalm 62.

The tree looked like our own fragile hearts, planted firmly in the center by God’s Word, and reaching out to God in prayer, praise, and worship. As if on cue, a poem was written in front of the ancient tree.

While I was painting this piece, I meditated on Psalm 62 and listened to songs of worship. I felt that because the Lord is my rock, I would not be shaken and could keep my heart firm and at peace. I felt that my painting was my own confession of love and an act of worship to God.

Psalm 62:5-7 “For God alone, O my soul, wait in silence, for my hope is from him. He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall not be shaken. On God rests my deliverance and my honor; my mighty rock, my refuge is in God.”

Here is Joyce Kilmer’s original poem, “Trees,” from 1913.

A tree whose hungry mouth is prest Against the earth’s sweet flowing breast;

A tree that looks at God all day, And lifts her leafy arms to pray;

A tree that may in Summer wear A nest of robins in her hair;

Upon whose bosom snow has lain; Who intimately lives with rain.

Poems are made by fools like me, But only God can make a tree.