Jehovah Ezrah (The Lord My Help)

 The idea for this piece was brought about from a sermon illustration that I heard by Megan Marshman. She explained that a friend of hers was at a Christian conference, where an exercise was conducted where they had to pick two pictures: one that represents where they are currently in

life and one that shows where they want to be. The first picture depicted hands holding a struggling baby bird. When asked what she felt looking at the image, she envisioned herself holding all of her burdens; her own personal struggles, those of her family, friends, etc. As she kept staring at the image, God began to shift her perspective away from this negative outlook that highlights her struggles and showed her an alternative meaning to the image. He said that she was the baby bird, and He is holding her while she is holding all of her burdens. Megan Marshman explained it further by saying, “What I hold is not too much for the one that is holding me” (Marshman, 2024). Although her circumstances did not change, her outlook and how she dealt with those circumstances did.

So often, we cling tight to our circumstances in an attempt to control everything and fix all of our problems on our own. This is an attempt to lessen the load and ease our minds, but in the end, it leads to more stress and anxiety until we have so much burdening us that we feel like we can’t stand. Psalm 55:22 NASB states, “Cast your burden upon the Lord and He will sustain you; He will never allow the righteous to be shaken.” When we turn our eyes towards Christ instead of our circumstances, we can have peace and joy in the midst of whatever trials come our way. When our eyes are set on Him, we can take comfort in knowing that we do not have to face these battles on our own and that the Lord is with us in the midst of all of it. Isaiah 41:10 NASB states, “Do not fear, for I am with you; Do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, I will also help you, I will also uphold you with My righteous right hand.’ This verse perfectly encapsulates the message of this drawing, as the Lord is upholding us and carrying us through life’s circumstances. He is holding the bird lightly, not concerned about a thing. In Matthew 11:28-30, Jesus states, “Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Nothing that comes our way takes Him by surprise. He knows all, sees all, and is with you in the midst of every battle you face. I hope you all love this artwork and are encouraged and reminded that you don’t have to carry these burdens alone.

 References

“Being Honest with Yourself and with God (with Megan Fate Marshman).” Sun Valley Community Church, hosted by Robert Watson, guest Megan Fate Marshman, episode 166, 12 Mar. 2024, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bTvoL1OTSrU. Accessed 15 Mar. 2024.