The Shield of Faith | Original Painting

Faith is my middle name, literally! 

I have also always been drawn to the shape of a shield without conscious thought. 

When I see a shield I initially think of protection, although it it is also a symbol of war. 

I have always loved my name “Matilda”, which means Warrior Maiden. A few years ago someone told me that a Warrior goes to war. And since I'm not one to believe in mass slaughter as a way to work things out among human beings with valuable souls, it was a little off putting to hear the news that my name had such connotations. 

In fact, I believe wholeheartedly that one day humanity will have no need for war nor result to use it. Though it’s doubtful I will see it in my lifetime, this is a promise I have from my own spiritual practice. Although I am also of the belief the world will continue to get more and more destructive as we have seen happening for generations, I also believe in a prophecy that God will restore Peace, True Godly Peace, to this Earth that will last for eternity. It’s a beautiful thought really. It contracts greatly to my old though processes that we are “individuall-as-a-whole” raising the vibration of the planet until we align perfectly with the divine. Why does this contrast? Because the later rests on our own individual power, while the formal is a supernatural act of God. Looking forward to this day “should” keep us all in a state of doing our best to “rise up” of course, it’s no excuse to slack off on being kind.

Taking our focus back to the painting, it’s not like me to create a symbol of war, however this points to a different kind of war. At times it seems we are at war with ourselves, our heart’s desires being weighed against our better reason. Likewise, we experience mental health battles, taking up the fight against any degrading thoughts.

As always, I focus mostly on spiritual matters in my work and this one is obviously no different with the giant word “Faith” heavily textured onto the canvas. This is no normal shield, indeed it points to a metaphysical battle! 

I was raised being taught about such things as “spiritual warfare”. Over the last few years I had walked away from such beliefs thinking, “Why in the world would I want to believe in these negative world views that leave me in fear?” 

However, I now realize the importance of staying grounded in my belief system. I can now come at it with an adult perspective and leave behind any childish misunderstandings that leave one on the battlefield of their mind, frozen in fear. On the contrary when one is aware, emotional aware, spiritually aware, ect. Then we have the upper hand to face the fight head on. Not that it will be easy, but better to show up then hide in the trenches. 

The Shield of Faith is one of those pieces which has a perfect verse aback of it! Give it a ponder:

“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints” 

~Ephesians 6:10-18

The past eight verses are written on the piece along with many other beautiful verses mentioning shields which I will list below. I’m also working on a huge drawing of the Whole Armor of God right now!

Most of the verses found on this piece speak about the “Shield” being a symbol for God. That God is the one who protects us, and who we should look to for protection. 

The Lion and the Lamb on the shield are a biblical symbol of God. 

I hope to one day paint a mother goose with her goslings under her wing, because that's the kind of protection that we find with God. I do believe that's a picture my mom put into my mind. I saw a mother goose with her goslings under her wing earlier last year and it was the cutest thing in the world!

One other symbol here, perhaps not so easily recognized are the five loaves and two fishes which are a symbol of miracles and provision, as found in the story of the Bible (Matthew 14:13-21, Mark 6:32-44, Luke 9:10-17, and John 6:1-13)

The Shield is sealed with a gloss finish and has a heavy texture, the background of the piece is sealed with a matte finish so that the two have great contrast between them. I love the looseness of this piece in the shield!

Honestly I really love how this piece turned out and I love even more the reminder it holds; so prominently visual as it's such a large piece!

I'm sure this piece speaks for itself. To bring further meaning to the piece, I would highly encourage you to meditate on the following verses, all of which are written out in the background of this painting!

“But you, O Lord, are a shield about me,

    my glory, and the lifter of my head.” ~Psalms 3:3 

“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 exult in you.

For you bless the righteous, O Lord;

    you cover him with favor as with a shield.” ~Psalms 5:11-12 

“You have given me the shield of your salvation,

    and your gentleness made me great. 

You gave a wide place for my steps under me,

    and my feet did not slip” ~2 Samuel 22:36-37 

“Your neck is like the tower of David,

    built in rows of stone;

on it hang a thousand shields,

    all of them shields of warriors.” ~Song of Solomon 4:4

“Behold our shield, O God;
    look on the face of your anointed!

For a day in your courts is better
    than a thousand elsewhere.
I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God
    than dwell in the tents of wickedness.

For the Lord God is a sun and shield;
    the Lord bestows favor and honor.
No good thing does he withhold
    from those who walk uprightly.

O Lord of hosts,
    blessed is the one who trusts in you!” ~Psalms 84:9-12 

“After these things the word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision: “Fear not, Abram, I am your shield; your reward shall be very great.” ~Genesis 15:1

“Every word of God proves true;

    he is a shield to those who take refuge in him.” ~Proverbs 30:5 

“You are my hiding place and my shield;

    I hope in your word.” ~Psalms 119:114 

“he is my steadfast love and my fortress,

    my stronghold and my deliverer,

my shield and he in whom I take refuge” ~Psalms 144:2A 

“For our shield belongs to the Lord,

    our king to the Holy One of Israel.” ~Psalms 89:18 

“He will cover you with his pinions,

    and under his wings you will find refuge;

    his faithfulness is a shield and buckler.” ~Psalms 91:4 

“For the Lord gives wisdom;

    from his mouth come knowledge and understanding;

he stores up sound wisdom for the upright;

    he is a shield to those who walk in integrity,

guarding the paths of justice

    and watching over the way of his saints.

Then you will understand righteousness and justice

    and equity, every good path;

for wisdom will come into your heart,

    and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul;

discretion will watch over you,

    understanding will guard you” ~Proverbs 2:6-11 

“The Lord is my strength and my shield;

    in him my heart trusts, and I am helped;

my heart exults,

    and with my song I give thanks to him.” ~Psalms 28:7 

“O Israel, trust in the Lord!

    He is their help and their shield.

O house of Aaron, trust in the Lord!

    He is their help and their shield.

You who fear the Lord, trust in the Lord!

    He is their help and their shield.” ~Psalms 115:9 -11 

“You have given me the shield of your salvation,

    and your right hand supported me,

    and your gentleness made me great.

You gave a wide place for my steps under me,

    and my feet did not slip.” ~Psalms 18:35-36