The Lord loves to confide in those who fear Him, and to take the righteous into His confidence. (Ps 25:14, Prov. 3:32) He wants us to understand many issues – but there are certain matters that for whatever reason He is not willing to disclose, or that we are not mature enough or ready yet to hear. That is when we are called to draw on our understanding of both His character and His ways. (Is.50:10)

This is a piece that is inspired by one of Amy Carmichael’s poems for children, and reminds us that the secret things belonging to God. We ourselves are ‘brushes’ that the Lord delights to use both to paint and to carry out His purposes. Enjoy this celebration of ‘The Artist’s Brush’ that Ros, Elizabeth and I share with you.

You can also listen separately here to the music that you hear in The Artist’s Brush: Mendelssohn’s Gondola Song played by James Horsfall and Rolling Waves: An Improvisation by Andrew Whettam.

The marimba music was improvised for us by Andrew Whettam.

I push and probe a little way beyond the thing I see.
Sometimes something seems to whisper
very quietly: “Hush, that is God’s private secret:
He has not told it to me – for the secret things belong to God,
whereas the things that He has revealed belong to us and our children forever. (Deut. 29:29, cf Pvbs. 3:32)

The compiler of the Proverbs mentions various things he could not fathom. (Pvbs. 30:18ff). I am acutely conscious of countless things that appear precarious in the extreme. Sharpen my perspective, Lord, concerning the way You concealed Your Son until the right time came to announce Him to the world; (Rom. 16:24-26, 1 Cor. 2:6-8) the patience by which You shape Your people holy, in preparation for the plans You possess for us beyond the edge of time. (1 Cor. 15:50-52)

Praise You for Your purposes for Israel, for the time when the hardening of their hearts becomes a thing of the past. (Rom. 11:24-26)

Thank You, too, for the time when all secrets are revealed on that great and glorious day, when You overthrow all foes by the splendour of Your coming. (2 Thess. 2:6-8; Rom. 2:15-16)

Keep us in the meantime from the harm of the viper’s charm, and the secret power of lawlessness.

For it is where there is care and kindness
and heart concern that You are to be found –
not in the concrete jungle of sharp business deals,
or the entanglements of ecstatic party land.
And where pleasure is no longer the main yard measure
You bestow a very great deal to enjoy.

You find so many ways to affirm
those who look to You to make their ultimate choices;
who cleave most closely
to receive Your still small voice and kindly leading.

While the waves are lapping softly on ancient shores,
entire new realms are opening up –
and You are seeking the staunch and brave
to launch the next phase of Your full and final purposes.
To them You show Yourself as You really are
and whisper words of we’el and welcome.