Relent (featured in Relent Lament Worship Film)
By Lisle Gwynn Garrity
Inspired by Psalm 31: 9-16

When I first began this drawing and film, I was inspired by the poetry of Job, particularly the final lines of the entire book: “Therefore, I relent and find comfort on dust and ashes” (Job 42:6). Meditating on the meaning of relenting in the midst of true, gritty lament, I began to imagine a clenched fist and an open hand.  I had intended to blend Job’s words with verses from Psalm 31, but as the film came together, I realized Psalm 31 said everything I wanted to verbally communicate in the piece.
For Job, for the psalmist, and for us, I think the posture of lament always includes both a clenched fist and an open hand.  In the midst of our sadness, we clench tightly for control, for answers, for release. We should wave our fists in anger at God, for in doing so, we practice what we believe—that God wants us to give of our whole selves, especially the parts we’d rather keep hidden away. But through the process of exposing it all—the rage, the ugly, the sadness—perhaps we shall be released.

Relenting is not a passive act; it is the surrender we come to when we bear all our pain—openly, honestly, angrily—before the One who can take it all.

Museum-quality poster made on thick, durable, matte paper. Unframed artwork will arrive rolled up in a protective tube.

Framing option available.