While this was painted a couple of years back, the image and accompanying message seems to be a picture and word for 2024.
When I painted this I was inspired to capture those ancient verses from Isaiah 35, and show what happens when God turns up into the dry and barren lands in our lives.
The desert and the parched land will be glad;
the wilderness will rejoice and blossom.
Like the crocus, it will burst into bloom;
it will rejoice greatly and shout for joy.
The glory of Lebanon will be given to it,
the splendor of Carmel and Sharon;
they will see the glory of the Lord,
the splendor of our God.
Strengthen the feeble hands,
steady the knees that give way;
say to those with fearful hearts,
“Be strong, do not fear;
your God will come,
he will come with vengeance;
with divine retribution
he will come to save you.”
Then will the eyes of the blind be opened
and the ears of the deaf unstopped.
Then will the lame leap like a deer,
and the mute tongue shout for joy.
Water will gush forth in the wilderness
and streams in the desert.
The prints are A5 in size and have an explanation on the back and a blessing too which reads:
Where there is dryness and desert, may you know refreshment and growth. Where there is heart ache and pain, may you know the sweet perfume of God's presence. Where there is thirst and longing, may you know the Spirit quenching you, in Jesus name, Amen.