Art & Soul post #32 by Ernesta Clark
Having lived my whole life in South Africa, I am surrounded daily by contrast, diversity, and challenging circumstances. I was fortunate to grow up in a loving Christian home and have been a follower of Christ my whole life. Many times it was only my hope in God, His closeness, His mercy, and His Word that carried me through difficult times.
THE SPIRIT OF THE LORD GOD IS UPON ME BECAUSE HE HAS ANOINTED ME TO PREACH THE GOOD NEWS TO THE POOR (IN SPIRIT). HE HAS SENT ME TO ANNOUNCE RELEASE TO THE CAPTIVES, TO SET FREE THOSE WHO ARE OPPRESSED (DOWNTRODDEN, BRUISED, CRUSHED BY TRAGEDY). -ISAIAH 61:1
Like those described in Isaiah 61:1, I had been downtrodden, bruised, crushed by tragedy…constantly fighting fear, anxiety, and loss. Much of my struggle has been due to my husband’s medical problems. We were just married when my husband had a sinus operation. Something went wrong, and the infection went to his brain and formed abscesses. Because of the pressure on his brain, he was paralyzed on one side of his body. He also started to suffer from epileptic seizures. I was really struggling to accept the whole situation. I slept on the floor, and there had to be a light on after dark because I was afraid that he could have another seizure. I was thinking of divorce because of my fear. I did not handle the situation well.
One evening, I felt so lonely, so lost, so abandoned. My husband was having one of his epileptic seizures and was unconscious in our room. I had put the kids to bed, and they were asleep. My heart was pounding, and I was struggling to breathe. The dark of the night was suffocating me. I opened my Bible and was paging through it. I stopped at Psalm 92:10. It read, “BUT YOU HAVE EXALTED MY HORN LIKE THAT OF THE WILD OX; I HAVE BEEN ANOINTED WITH FRESH OIL.” (NASB) This scripture spoke the following words to me: “He will give me the power of a buffalo and stately grace.” I knew then that I had the power to overcome, and I would fight like a lady. Praise the Lord! While I was screaming out to Him, He gave me His Word!
Eventually, my husband got back his ability to move, and he was kept stable with medication. After ten years though, the brain abscesses came back. I was in shock. I was very disappointed and cross with God. I fought with Him and shouted at Him. How could He let me walk this same road again?! I had to learn that sometimes God says NO! Every time I threw a tantrum, God was ready with an answer.
During this same time, my mom was battling cancer. On the morning of my mother’s funeral, I picked up my Bible and was looking for answers from God. I started to read where the Bible fell open. I read, “Now we do not want you to be uninformed, believers, about those who are asleep [in death], so that you will not grieve [for them] as the others do who have no hope [beyond this present life].” (1Thessalonians 4:13, AMP) I fell to my knees and cried out to my Savior. I definitely don’t want to be without hope!
Last year, my husband got Covid. Just when things were returning to normal, a blood clot went through one lung, and two more were on their way to his brain. This time, his recovery took a long time. With Covid and being in the hospital for more than six weeks, we were struggling financially. There were hospital bills and quite a lot of other challenges. Will things ever be the same? I do not know, but God does!
It felt like this was the story of my life…constantly fighting fear and loss. The Lord took me through all of it. My husband and I are still married. Praise God, the Great Healer has healed him again and again! Now, after thirty-seven years of marriage, four children, and two grandsons, I can praise the Lord! Every time I fell down, He picked me up. He showed me that He is my Provider, my Protector, and my Advisor; He showed me that He is the Healer. His mercies and grace endure forever!
NOW I AM TELLING HIS STORY!
“With His pinions He will cover you, And under His wings You will take refuge, His truth is a shield and a buckler.”
Psalm 91:4
I painted Under His Wing to show others that God is our shield. Many storms are often raging around us, but He invites us to come under His protection. God desires to keep us near to Him, for we will experience safety and warmth when we dwell in Him. He personally cares about each and every one of us, and He wants to have an intimate relationship with us. He wants us to put our hope in HIM, even when things around us are screaming that it would be foolish to do so. When we are feeling far from God, we can imagine wrapping ourselves with His light, His glory, His splendor, as though we are dwelling in His sanctuary under His warm, protective wings.
I am a painter and a potter and love to create! When I create, I feel closer to my Creator. I love to share the creative process with others and teach God’s Word through my art! One of my favorite scriptures is Psalm 5:11 (ESV), “But let all who take refuge in you rejoice; let them ever sing for joy, and spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may exalt you.” I try to display this Psalm in the way I live my life, and it inspires many of my paintings.
I recently painted this watercolor portrait of Jesus titled My Redeemer. It’s based on Psalm 126:2 (AMP): “Then our mouth was filled with laughter and our tongue with joyful shouting; then they said among the nations, ‘The Lord has done great things for them.’” Fear leads to depression which puts you in “jail”; it keeps you in bondage. Jesus took me out of captivity! He set me free! I have His joy!
The psalmist also says that those who take refuge in God are blessed (Psalm 2:12), will know His goodness (Psalm 31:19), and will be rescued from their foes (Psalm 17:7).
May you live in the FREEDOM Jesus offers. May you receive God’s BLESSINGS and feel His GOODNESS. Finally, may His WINGS OF PROTECTION cover you every day of your life!
Love in Jesus’ Name,
Ernesta Clark
Ernesta Clark
I am a remedial teacher, and have been teaching for more than 20 years. My artwork shows a strong consciousness of nature interacting with humans. I am excited to be sharing my art, and I pray that every image will speak a thousand words. I love to create because the Great Creator is within me!
Would you like to purchase a painting from Ernesta or commission her to paint something beautiful for you? Contact her at:
7 thoughts on “Under His Wing”
Ernesta, thank you for sharing your beautiful artwork and story. Turning to God and His Word for our strength is so key in the battle to overcome fear. Psalm 91:4 is one of my favorites…actually the entire chapter I love! Keep telling His story!!!❤️
Liewe Ernesta,
So jammer vir al jou seer en vrees en pyn.
Die Here dra mens elke dag nê…..
Mag Hy jou styf vashou en lei daar waar Hy jou wil hê.
Ek bid vir jou. Wat n wonderlike getuienis.
Corné
I tried to use Google Translate to translate the above message to Ernesta. If anyone can help with a better translation, please reply below mine.
Dear Ernesta,
Also lament for all your hurt and fear and pain.
The Heredra man every day right…..
May He hold you tight and lead you where He wants you.
I pray for you. What a wonderful testimony.
corners
Wow, wow, wow we serve a GREAT GOD. Nothing is impossible for Him. Thanks for sharing your story of overcoming and be a winner in Jesus name.
Marisca
Powerful testimony Ernesta, love how God was there in the midst of your despair and grief. Thanks for the encouragement and for sharing your story.
Thank you, I appreciate your comments!
In His Name!
Please see below words from a song we sing at the Salvation Army Cwmbran Corps.
Under the cover of His wings you’ll find me shielded by His faithfulness. Whoa! Under the cover of His wings you’ll find me shielded by His faithfulness. I will say of the Lord, ‘He’s my refuge.’ I will say of the Lord, ‘He’s my God.’ I will say of the Lord, ‘He’s my fortress.’ I will say of the Lord.
Under the cover of His wings you’ll find me shielded by His faithfulness. Whoa! Under the cover of His wings you’ll find me shielded by His faithfulness. I will say of the Lord, ‘He’s my refuge.’ I will say of the Lord, ‘He’s my God.’ I will say of the Lord, ‘He’s my fortress.’ I will say of the Lord.
Under His wings, under His wings, under His wings, under His wings. Under the cover of His wings for He is my God.