In moments of despair or doubt, what does God invite you to see and listen to in your life today? Vincent Van Gogh’s Starry Night and the story of Job both explore faith amid struggle and the search for meaning in suffering. The encounter with God invites humility, calm, and renewed trust even when feeling small or lost.

Job 38:1, 31-38

In this session, Rev. Rob McPherson invites viewers to explore the spiritual journey through the art and life of Vincent Van Gogh, focusing particularly on his famous painting Starry Night. Vincent’s own words reveal his deep struggle with faith and despair, yet a persistent yearning toward the divine. His art becomes a profound expression of the tension between anguish and hope, inviting viewers to reflect on their own moments of suffering and spiritual searching.

The reflection draws parallels between Vincent’s feelings of worthlessness and the biblical story of Job, whose encounter with God amidst suffering offers a model of humility and trust. Through Job’s poetic response from the whirlwind, participants are invited to listen for words that speak of calm, harmony, and faith even in the midst of misery. This passage helps frame the experience of feeling small before God, yet finding peace in that very smallness.

Turning attention to Starry Night, the session encourages a slow, attentive viewing of the painting—its swirling sky, the quiet village, and the towering cypress tree. The painting serves as a visual prayer, a way to enter into a religious experience by connecting with the mystery and beauty of creation. Viewers are invited to consider what aspects of the painting draw them toward the divine and to listen for God’s voice in this encounter.

The prayerful time continues with Job’s final response to God, expressing newfound understanding and trust. Participants are prompted to reflect on what God may be calling them to listen to and see in their own lives. The session emphasizes openness to God’s ongoing revelation and invites a personal response to what has been experienced through scripture and art.

The session closes with another quote from Vincent Van Gogh, emphasizing that true beauty and goodness come from God and that love—deep, genuine, and intelligent love for many things—is the path toward unshakable faith. This encourages participants to nurture faith through love and understanding, carrying that hope into their week.