I’m sitting here at a bus stop, which consists of 9 plastic chairs on a tiled floor and open front entrance with no air conditioning or music. The only sound is the sound of traffic as it passes by outside with nonstop horns and occasional booming music. About half of our group is sleeping; the other half is journaling or trying to sleep. I remembered that I had a guitar with me and picked it up. I’ve been in a sad mood since the car ride because of India’s depravity, but I felt like I should worship God.
I played a few songs asking him to help me and to strengthen me. Then I played How He Loves Us because even though everyone here disregards His existence, he is still here and still loves his creation more than they might ever know.
I flipped the page and read over the lyrics of God of This City. And it broke me.
How is my God the God of THIS city?
Do I really believe that He is the King of THESE people?
Or even the Lord of THIS nation?
My mind gave me a resounding no.
As I sing this song back home in the states, I believe it. Fully. I sing it completely believing it in West Palm Beach, FL. I sing it completely believing in Grand Haven, MI. But here?
The God of Hyderabad?
I don’t think so.
Then I read the chorus:
Greater things have yet to come
Greater things are still to be done in this city
Wow.
When I was riding in the car I was hearing all these lies. How can you make a difference? Look at this destruction and selfishness; do you REALLY think you can help? Ha! How? Why don’t you just go back home to your comfort and security?
But right now I reject all those lies because after reading the lyrics again, I decided in my heart that God is the God of THIS city and THESE people and THIS nation. Here, in Hyderabad, India.
He still is the light in the darkness and the hope to the hopeless and the peace to the restless. This is why I’m here. They need to know.
