This painting is an allegory of faith and trust in God. Painted into the book is the Hebrew inscription “Shalom” meaning peace. In order to communicate a “perfect peace”, the word peace in Hebrew would have been repeated, in other words “Peace Peace” as it is depicted here. The young woman rests with peace lilies as a symbol of her trust in God. Our peace and trust in God is described in the New Testament as a peace that passes all understanding. And in some circumstances is truly a miracle and therefore a testimony of God’s presence in our lives no matter what our circumstances may be, knowing that God has all power to control the outcome of any circumstance, and we are never hidden from His sight. The Apostle Paul tells us how to achieve such peace merely by where we maintain our focus, upon what we allow our minds to dwell:
“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things. The things you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.” Philippians 4:6-9