- "But the needy will not always be forgotten,
nor the hope of the afflicted ever perish." (Psalm 9:18)
Crying Out to God
I don’t even know where to start to describe this photo! This was supposed to be a quick project but ended up being the most meaningful to me!
Have you ever came to pray but all you could do is cry? Have you ever opened the Word of God but the only book appealed to you was the Psalms because the cry of the psalmist heart is all that you could relate to? Have you ever cried out to God so deeply that you could not say a word? That all you could do is open your hands in surrender? Have you ever tried to hold your tears back until you reach home, go to your room, turned the music up so you could cry all you needed? Have you ever opened your eyes to read your Bible but couldn’t see it clearly because tears were filling your eyes?
Well this is what this photo is about. (I hope I conveyed the tears effect accurately.)
This photo is for those moments where faith in your Heavenly Father’s wisdom, love, and goodness is the only thing that is sustaining your emotional and spiritual being. Not blessings, not joy, not hope, not peace, not guidance, not comfort, not love, nor even His presence—just pure faith. Do I sound too extreme here? I think Job would have agreed with me. When all else is stripped away our faith appears, and shows its real worth. Even in testing our God is wise and just, because His purpose is to build up our faith not destroy it--He desires our best because we are His children.
I don’t know what else to say at this moment except that God is a good God, and He is just. Sometimes even when obeying Him it seems that we failed—and feel He failed us--but we can only see so much in comparison to His wisdom.
The only thing I can add are Jesus’ words when He was in anguish, Luke 22:42:
"Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my
will, but yours be done."
__________________________________________________________________
"Anything that drives you closer to God is good, even pain." Dr. Charles Stanley
"The closest distance between a problem and its solution is the
distance between your knees and the floor [praying]." Dr. Charles
Stanley
__________________________________________________________________
(Toronto, ON; winter 2008.)
Comments and faves
Gramma Elizabeth, sweetinnocent, Christiana Noëlle, peter308, and 60 other people added this photo to their favorites.
Gramma Elizabeth (54 months ago | reply)
You have an amazing spiritual maturity...this is not just a shot...it is a thoughtful piece of art that perfectly conveys the blurred eyes...and crying heart. I am there right now in my life, in the mother's anguish...thank you for the sharing...you could not have chosen anything better.
The Psalms are what I turn to...for who better than David to understand sorrow and anguish and joy in adversity? I often have to think on Psalm 46:10, Be still and know that I am God. A verse given to me by a grandmother who had been as this photo shows over a very ill grandchild. He did recover slowly...and she has never forgotten the experience. It still helps me.
May the Lord bless you today...for you have understood the pain of enduring through adversity.
For any who think it is too extreme, that experience is yet to be yours.
Eric P. Olson (54 months ago | reply)
What a poetic photo and description. I understand what you are trying to say, I am right there with you...
I under stand the feeling when David (a man after Gods own heart) says: How long, O LORD ? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me? For years I prayed, until my son came t the Lord and our relationship changed, but I kept crying out...literally for years before my prayers were answered.
Not blessings, not joy, not hope, not peace, not guidance, not comfort, not love, nor even His presence—just pure faith literally years before my prayers were answered
The blurred effect of the tears is perfect. When I was reading your description, i am relieved to know I am not the only one. When I pray, I ALWAYS cry, just like you said it's not blessings, not joy, not hope, not peace, not guidance, not comfort, not love, nor even His presence—just pure faith
Thank you for sharing so deeply, you really have some beautiful artwork.
001FJ (54 months ago | reply)
Thank you both so much. I've never had such touching and deep comments before. I believe when we give of ourselves we not only enrich the lives of others but also our lives :) Thank you for the wonderful thoughts :)
n0vk (54 months ago | reply)
Outstanding!
i_am_durin (54 months ago | reply)
wonderful
SweetCapture (54 months ago | reply)
Yes, yes, yes, yes...you captured it perfectly and beautifully. Thank you!
Seen on Explore!
Mariposa de Amor ( Photo-Dream ) (53 months ago | reply)
wonderful idea, great work!
mselderhuis (53 months ago | reply)
wow
Margot- (53 months ago | reply)
Wow, very powerful composition! And yes, I can see/feel the tear effect here.
laurarnmd (53 months ago | reply)
This brought tears to my eyes too. I am praying for God's grace for you. In the valley of the shadow, know that you are His beloved child. Feel deep inside yourself for His love. You'll find it in the love you have for...for what? For a person? For your photography? Hold on to that love. I am awed by its power.
Juleen_D (53 months ago | reply)
I just love this pic, and im praying with you too.
Pater JPM (52 months ago | reply)
Seeing the image, before even reading you note, I said 'looks like he is looking at the scriptures through tears." Thus your work is very effective.
Pax
001FJ (52 months ago | reply)
Thank you all. Your comments are too lovely and much appreciated :)
sirwiseowl (52 months ago | reply)
This is one awesome photo, please take a moment to join
www.flickr.com/groups/creative_tabletop_photo graphy/
we'd love to have your photo added to our group.
Gudjona [deleted] (52 months ago | reply)
That is such a beautiful and expressive photograph, I usually don't like blur in photos, but this one I particularly like! Thank you for posting it :)
mkgphotoatgmail (51 months ago | reply)
superb.
...no words.
just wonderful.
witnessjesusthesavior (51 months ago | reply)
I love this photo! You are an amazing man with a gift for photography and words. Jesus has truly blessed you in many ways!
girlwiththefro [deleted] (51 months ago | reply)
thank you for this.
aliceinthepoetsheartland (49 months ago | reply)
I was happy gliding in still waters
and riding the waves
with my God whose laughing eyes
and large hands
pin the sun and the stars
with the moon
when I look up
to wake from dreams that sleep
The boat that floated with some effort
beside me
had pedantic voices
skeptic tongues
pragmatic lungs
that screamed impossible
made me think
and think some more.
I was fighting to stay afloat
when my thinking brain went to my feet
and now I have to learn to swim
because they said people don’t walk on waters.
My Lord, my faith is still here on my toes
that continue to tingle with the
satin feel of the water when we played
I just need to fish the rest of it back
that sank a little
when I began treading on water -
here with open hands in supplication
over the book that contains the waters...
aliceinthepoetsheartland
-Phoenix (48 months ago | reply)
Just Wanted to say that this is just what I needed I am going through a tough time and the things you have to say are very encouraging;
I thank God for you all.
lolandyarborough (47 months ago | reply)
Hi, I'm an admin for a group called Flickr Fellowship, and we'd love to have this added to the group!
Also, Choose your most fav to post and please feel free to join the group and post anytime.
[flawed*in*perfection] (47 months ago | reply)
beautiful!!! (n lil sad)
Eric P. Olson (47 months ago | reply)
Hi Fadi, I was going through your photos and just wanted to let you know just how much i love this one! (love them all really) this is my fav.
001FJ (47 months ago | reply)
Thank you all for taking the time to view this photo and read my writing. Thank you every one for everything :)
╚»~Jo’myuh Ohjo~ «╝ (47 months ago | reply)
This photo speaks to me at a time in my life when I need it most... RIGHT NOW.....thank you it is a true blessing!
amras_de (46 months ago | reply)
Thank you for this beautiful photo, Danke für das schöne Photo!
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For the word of the cross, to them indeed that perish, is foolishness:
but to them that are saved, that is, to us, it is the power of God. (1. Cor. 1,18)
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Denn das Wort vom Kreuz ist eine Torheit denen, die verloren werden;
uns aber, die wir selig werden, ist's eine Gotteskraft. (1.Kor 1,18)
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godserv (46 months ago | reply)
At some moment we can't see clearly. If we are habitually dependent on God through faith, those moments become eye openers. Lovely depiction. I knew what you were trying to depict even before reading your story.
This Beautiful Photo is invited to the INSPIKS Pool
Tonya Ashe (44 months ago | reply)
Hi, I'm an admin for a group called Creations Of The Heart, and we'd love to have this added to the group!
yasmine_sami_rcg (44 months ago | reply)
woow..
PaytonGuerra (42 months ago | reply)
beautiful photo, and lovely writing. I just started a group and Id love for you to join and add this photo and any other that pertain. click below:
www.flickr.com/groups/989870@N22/
PaytonGuerra (41 months ago | reply)
Hi, I'm an admin for a group called Heavenly Photographs, and we'd love to have this added to the group!
wonderful :o)
Big Greene (41 months ago | reply)
A great photo. I went through your photostream and saw that you have many great pictures that you could share with the group (Scripture Picture). Can't wait to see more of them.
j.rose12 (40 months ago | reply)
Its just too serene
ericaNF [deleted] (40 months ago | reply)
that is ture God wil always be with us no matter who u r.
L Geoffroy (27 months ago | reply)
Hi, I'm an admin for a group called Tutorial Clearing House, and we'd love to have this added to the group!
001FJ (26 months ago | reply)
Hello theatheist83247 and thank you for taking the time to comment on the photo. I am sorry I deleted your comment. I do not allow anything on my photostream that leads others away from the Lord Jesus Christ, or displeases Him.
Alivia.... (21 months ago | reply)
I'm going through a tough time like this in my life. Now is when I needed to find this. I'm glad you posted it. Not only is the photo beautiful, but the caption is as well. Thank you so much(:
001FJ (21 months ago | reply)
I am sorry AliviaAyers, to hear that. I hope all goes well soon :)
I am His and He is mine - Lynn (13 months ago | reply)
This is So Beautiful and Oh So True !!!!!!!!!!!!!
I'm struck by your humble Honesty and Love and Compassion !!!
There are times when we are so overwhelmed by troubles or by the troubles we see around about us that we can do no more than what you say here!!
There was a worship song I remember from a long time ago which had the line - "when I'm overwhelmed, lead me to the Rock which is Higher
than I" !!!
Also the Bible says that the Holy Spirit Himself Intercedes for us when we can't speak, by groaning !!!!!!!
This is Exactly what you're talking about !!!!
May the Lord Bless you and Keep you !!!!!!!!!
Lynn
001FJ (13 months ago | reply)