Inspiration from Psalm 23:1 for Grazing Sheep Painting

1 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. 2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. 3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.

Psalm 23:1-3

David was a shepherd. As a boy, he cared for sheep and kept them safe, fed, sheltered, and together. He led them where he knew fresh grass and water would be and fought off their enemies for them. When they were injured he cared for them. When they were lost, he found them. However, years later when he wrote this psalm, he was the one in need of care, protection, and safety. He was comparing his relationship to God in this Psalm. This time, he was the sheep and he is acknowledging that God is his Shepherd. At a time in his life when there was not anything peaceful, he wrote this. What a beautiful example of a heart that is completely dependent on and trusting in God our Heavenly Father. He was this gentle, safe Shepherd for David and He is that for me too.

A heart in a posture of peace is a choice. It’s a place of safety and flourishing and rest and I’ve found myself in that place. Thinking about this was the inspiration for this painting. I think I’ll need to paint more of these and if I do they will be here on my Art For Sale page. Here’s a one-minute video of the process. Enjoy!