“Jesus Close to the Brokenhearted” 16”x 20” acrylic on canvas, © by Donna Gonzalez
17 The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them;
he delivers them from all their troubles.
18 The Lord is close to the brokenhearted
and saves those who are crushed in spirit.
19 The righteous person may have many troubles,
but the Lord delivers him from them all;
20 he protects all his bones,
not one of them will be broken.”
I painted this artwork as an encouragement to Christians who’ve experienced trouble, hardship and grief in life. The woman’s face portrays that very difficult moment which tries our faith, where one wavers whether to go on or give up, and it is precisely that moment when Jesus is right there in the middle of it with us. She has a tear in her eye with a very slight smile as she recognizes though she cannot ‘feel His presence’ by faith she will walk by faith and not by sight knowing He is there, He hears and understands and will bring her comfort and deliverance.
This time of year, is for celebrating festivities, lots of Thanksgiving food, candy, Christmas music, the bright lights, snow falling, warm hugs, hot cocoa, cozy fireplaces, eating around the table with friends and family, joyous reunions and colorful presents, gift giving and memory making. As it should be.
But for many this time of the year life is far from a Norman Rockwell painting. Fraught with hardships it can be is as bleak and cold as a winter’s icy wind. When loved ones have passed away or gone, and burdens increase it makes having a grateful heart very difficult during the Thanksgiving season.
The good news is despite the difficulties, it doesn’t have to be without joy, peace, love and faith. We have someone on our side, Jesus, who not only sees the light at the end of the tunnel but knows the end from the beginning. Who chooses to stick with us, through thick or thin. Who wants to be close to and loves the broken, downtrodden and hurting. One Who is desirous to save heal, restore and deliver when there just doesn’t seem to be any way out. It is during these intense moments that He wants us to turn and call out to Him to find He is our only hope the answer to all our problems. Jesus is our source of strength, joy, peace, love and faith.
The most amazing thing is Jesus doesn’t even have to do any of this towards us! And yet, because of Who He is, and His great love for us, He is more than willing to help us. All free for the asking. Glory to Jesus!
And that right there is so much to be thankful for!
Be blessed!
Donna
[…] Translation ICHTHYS: Jesus Christ Son of God Saviour” as well as in the painting “Jesus Close to the Brokenhearted” . Interestingly, several people have commented to me if it were a self-portrait. I didn’t […]