I don’t often respond to social issues except as they are included in the scriptural studies I do for my work.  But this time I was compelled to respond to the heaviness of heart I’ve been carrying these past weeks during COVID-19 and unrest in our nation. 

 

The Lord reminded me of a verse; Rend your hearts and not your garments. I knew it was in the book of Joel so I went to the book and read it to get the context.  It’s not a book I read often but I found out it was probably written in the ninth century.  It was written in the midst of a massive locust plague and severe drought.  Joel calls on everyone to repent and sees this as a reminder the day of the Lord is near and restoration and blessing will come only after judgment and repentance. 

 

As I pondered these scriptures, this image came to my mind directly without any thumbnail sketches.  It was straightforward and progressed quickly.  While I was making it my heart was heavy.  It has many layers of meaning for me and is much deeper than torn paper, black, red and white colors and silver and gold stitching.  It speaks to me of sin, repentance, division, good and evil and our need for God’s mercy and healing and wholeness.  The centerpiece is Jesus who has conquered sin.  He is the healer of our hearts.

 

I’ve seen the scar of someone’s heart surgery.  The incision runs down the center of the chest, and when surgery is complete, the wound is sewn up so it can heal.  In this piece I see the center stitching both being unsewn (rended) and sewn up (mended).  So perhaps the title could also be Mend my Heart.

 

Whatever you see in this piece, I hope it takes you to a place of searching and prayer.  Our prayer team has been calling out to the Lord for repentance, forgiveness, a spirit of revival, a standard of righteousness and proclamation of the Kingdom of God over the forces of darkness. 

 

Would you please join us in calling out to the Lord for His hand of mercy and an increased presence of the Lord to bring about transformation in our nation? He changes us!  He turns our mourning into dancing!  He does it! 

 

Joel 2:12-13

12”x12” acrylic on masa paper with red, silver and gold thread