So I have been reading through the Psalms in the mornings and evenings lately, as I see much comfort in them. I see David wrestling with the Lord, and things don’t always seem great, but there is still praise given to the Lord.
This morning I read, Psalm 5:11-12:
But let all who take refuge in you rejoice; let them ever sing for joy, and spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may exult in you. For you bless the righteous, O Lord; you love him with favor as with a shield.
The number one question this week has been: “How are you, really?” Honestly, I don’t know how to give you a short answer. I don’t think anyone on P-Squad really has a simple answer. I mentioned my initial feelings in the previous blog: “Slightly fearful. Grief-stricken. Angry. In shock. Anxious. Thankful. Grateful”.
We’re not quite a week out from the 7.3 earthquake, and I suppose some of those sentiments have changed. But others also remain. Shock definitely. Anxious, in a slightly different way. And of course I remain forever thankful.
It’s been interesting observing how we as a squad respond to aftershocks now. Prior to May 12th, we’d feel an occasional aftershock, and think, “woah, that’s kind of cool”, or even say, “Oh man! I still don’t feel it, but I want to”! Now our awareness is heightened, even at the sound of the planes that pass over our home, or as a truck’s engine rumbles as it drives down the street. The half filled water bottle is our companion as we watch to see if there is movement, or if it’s just a phantom tremor. But as always, one thing is constant. God is good.
Psalm 136:1:
Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good. His love endures forever.
He was good when He called me on the World Race.
He was good when I applied and was accepted on the World Race.
He was good when I met this incredible group of people, who is P-Squad.
He was good when we experienced pain on our squad in India.
He was good when the first earthquake hit.
He was good when He provided a way for us to continue to Nepal.
He was good when the second earthquake hit while we were on the side of the mountain.
He was good when we remained calm, and came together as a squad.
He was good through every aftershock we’ve experienced.
He was good when we didn’t know what to say.
He is good as we love on the locals and share truth.
He is good as my squad-mates introduce this man, Jesus, to people who have never heard His name.
He is good in the moments when we don’t know what to think.
He is good in the moments when we ask “why?”
He is good when we don’t receive an answer right away.
He is good because He is the same, yesterday, today, and forever. (Hebrews 13:8)
