Learn more about Christ in the Psalms weekly artwork and see previous pieces here.

Person: James Stukenberg

James Stukenberg is a photographer drawn to people stories and creating images with a high degree of authenticity. Since relocating to Colorado from Wisconsin in 2018 he has freelanced, photographing editorial and commercial assignments. He lives with his wife, Anne, and their three young daughters Henrietta, Louisa and Juliana, in a mint green house in Westminster.

Piece: Photography

Among the many physiological allusions in Psalm 141, the mouth is referenced more than any other. The mouth is painted as both an instrument of prayer and praise and a means for destruction.

I call upon you…
Give ear to my voice (v.1)

Set a guard over my mouth…
Keep watch over the door of my lips (v.3)

Let me not eat of their delicacies (v. 4)

They shall hear my words (v. 6)

Bones scattered at the mouth of Sheol (v. 7)

The photograph is mounted and finished with wheat paste—a method often used in street art and activism to display works in public spaces. Humble, accessible and known for its temporary nature, it allows the creator to project their voice far beyond themselves.

Learn more about Christ in the Psalms weekly artwork and see previous pieces here.

Person: LouAnn Summers

I’m a believer in Jesus, and only by His power am walking in His way, the way of life! I am a wife of 44+ years, have four children and nine grandchildren. I feel God‘s joy when I am creating❣

Piece: Acrylic

This piece is based on Psalm 140. In this psalm, David talks about evil men, men of violence, who make plans to trip up his feet. My thought process brought me to 1 Peter 5:8. I was reminded that our true enemy who is planning to trip us up and devour us is the devil. I thought of the myriad of ways that we get tripped up in our lives. So I used these thoughts to make a wicked net, or a snare Satan often uses to trip up our feet. These are just a few ways we can get snagged on our journey.

It might be easier for you if I list them here instead of you having to read them off of the picture…

Pride, sexual immorality, unforgiveness, fear, shame, addictions, comparison, anger, love of money, distrust, worry, vain regret, complaining, envy, jealousy, unthankfulness, conceit, hopelessness, despair, deceit, lies, denial, taking offense, blaming, isolation, false identity, worthlessness, old wounds, greed, bitterness, gossip, control, idolatry, disqualification, worry, perfectionism, religion, violence, a slanderous, tongue, malice, bad habits, pettiness, desires of the flesh, autonomy, personal history, hatred, cares of life, shallowness, backbiting, vanity, circumstances, negativity, self indulgence, self justification, self gratification, self victimization, self protection, self-pity, self improvement, self-help, self-centeredness, self absorption, selfish ambition… to name a few.

Praise our merciful Lord that we have been delivered from these deathly traps!