Robert Indiana kept a series of illustrated journals during the late 1950s and 1960s, in which he discusses the development of his work as well as his daily life on Coenties Slip.

A sketch of God Is a Lily of the Valley is found at the top of Indiana's journal page for July 27, 1961. Underneath it Indiana records that he did not end up with the placement he wanted for the work, but that is was just as well, as he was doing a variant, and it would mean less repetition. 

The entry also includes a sketch of Yield Brother, with the comment "another small painting." A note added at a later date indicates the painting went to the Castles (Mr. and Mrs. Irving), in New London, Connecticut.