Cycles of Life

This painting was a commission. My client had provided Bible verses and promises. I also prayed and got scripture verses and words which were included in the painting. Feel free to look at the painting, and to interpret it in your way. What follows is a guideline of the symbolic meaning of the painting:

Painted in the left-hand corner is the Crux (Suiderkruis) and above that the moon is hidden. Promise: As sure as the moon is rising and shining each night you and your family will be ambassadors for God’s Kingdom. The Crux is a visual sign of Isaiah 58:11 ( The Lord will guide you always) He will guide you and lead you. Psalm 119:10 Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.

This part of the painting also speaks of how we humans are made of stardust and that God knew us before we were born.

Psalm 139: 13 – 16 For you created my inmost being; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, your eyes saw my unformed body.

Blue and purple grapes, with dewdrops, because the fruit in your life will always be fresh. John 15:5 “I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” Grapes also speak of refreshment and provision of God. (Hos 9:10) It is a promise of the forgiveness of sins ( 2 Corinthians 1:20 -22, Matthew 7:16 ). Galatians 5:22, also speaks of the fruit of the Spirit.

Wheat: Wheat hanging down-, the harvest is ready to be picked meaning that you will receive an abundant return on your investment. In a spiritual sense, it also symbolizes a humble person ready to be used by the Lord in his fields. Wheat also symbolizes sons/ fruit of God (Matthew 13:30) The word of God presented purely to ensure spiritual growth and a bountiful harvest. It is a metaphor for the saved, the children of the Lord (Matthew 3: 12).

Promise: The eagle and nest represent that you will be soaring like an eagle, and you will be a father figure, you will disciple and nurture young believers and/or people who do not have a good relationship with their biological father.
The eagle’s nest is a safe place where God feeds you with His Word. A place where He wants to prepare you for ministry with His equipping, where you are at ease until the Lord awakens you, stirs you up and gets you out. He will show His affection for you, guard you and care for you. You will know Him as a Father, He will make you a father to people. It is a place of rest and quietness and intimacy with the Father (Psalm 31:20, Psalm 63:7, Psalm 91. God also wants you to get out of the nest and start flying. He has given you all you need to take care of yourself. You will also be like an arrow, God will shoot you like an arrow.

The eagle has lots of golden brushstrokes in its feathers and eye, gold represents glory, excellence and a special move of God, it can refer to spiritual riches stored up in heaven, great victory and blessings. It can also symbolize the promise of earthly riches.

Rotate the picture, what you see is the image of Jesus, He cares for you and looks after you and the fruit of your life.

Mountains, water and valley: Promise: Joshua 1: 3 “I will give you every place where you set your foot, as I promised Moses.” Mountains symbolize a place of hiding and safety. Also, a promise that the Lord will remove the major obstacle which is before you and that He will promote you and take you to higher places. It also represents a place where you have influence.

Water: Life-giving provision of God (John 7:38) Knowledge of the glory of Yahweh (Hab 2:14) Peace of the Lord. The inspiration of the Holy Spirit. The Spirit of Life (Ruach) and the salvation of the Lord. ( John 4:14, John 7: 37-39) Clear leading and guidance of the Holy Spirit (Prov 25:25)

Greenfields/ valley: A fruitful place, you are entering a place where your seed will reap an abundant return. It is a place of hope.

Basket with 2 fishes and five loaves of bread: Matthew 14: 13 – 21 From a heart of thanksgiving you will live a life of giving. You will receive from the Father so that you will be able to give to others. God will bless what you give and it will multiply to meet the needs of people around you.

Bread: Bread represents the word or teachings of God. Spiritual provision.

Fish: Symbolizes physical, financial or spiritual provision.
Circle of Light and gold: Symbolizes the presence of God, it touches every area of your life. A circle represents completeness.

Meaning of colours:
Blue: Harmony, peace, serenity, patience, royalty, presence of the Holy Spirit, healing, revelation, rulership, unlimited potential
Purple: Authority, kingship, royalty, majesty, royal priesthood, wisdom, forgiveness
Green: Spirit of counsel, new life, prosperity, healing, sonship, wealth, youth, renewal, peace, the colour of prophet, divine activity, fruitfulness, growth, praise and worship
Gold: Glory, knowledge, praise, truth, holiness, favour, eternal life, kingship, Divine nature of Jesus, refinement of spirit, royalty and transcendence
Red: The Spirit of the Lord, wisdom, power, prophetic anointing, life, blood atonement, honour, courage, royalty in warfare, prayer, evangelist

Biography: Hearing God Dream Dictionary – Martin van der Merwe