The events that unfolded last Friday left the whole world speechless and paralyzed with fear, worry, and admit it or not, in awe of the majesty of nature's power over humankind. My jaw literally dropped as I watched the muddy waters eat up the coastal city of Sendai, taking everything in its way, making turns here and there as if searching for more people and properties. My idea of a tsunami has always been more like the surf waves often seen in Hawaiian movies. All that changed when I saw CNN's coverage up close; tsunamis are nothing near a Hang Ten TV commercial, or "surfer dudes". Judging from the speed of the murky waters literally eating up the entire city, farmlands, automobiles, even fly-overs and bridges, a strong tidal wave is something everyone should fear and take seriously.
I came home to a worried Mom that Friday night. And our usual rowdy weekend activities were replaced with quiet dinners, only the kids were permitted to be loud and noisy. My Twitter timeline was filled with Bible verses and words of encouragement to be hopeful and faithful that everything will turn out well. However, there were also a lot of blow-by-blow accounts of goings-on in Japan... news that easily snuff out whatever flicker of happiness that Christian twitters post online.
Strangely, and guiltily, I had the urge to reach for my Bible. I have to admit, it had been sitting comfortably in the topmost shelf in our living room, protected by a heavy glass shelf window, collecting dust. Exactly how our Pastor described a backslider's Bible would look like. I've had a lot of Bibles in the past, most of which were gifts from people who cared enough to share the Lord's promises to me. My favorite is my pink metal Bible because it is handy and can stay in my bag without getting worn out. It is also in my favorite New Living Translation version, no heavy reading required unlike the more popular King James Version.
I have earmarked chapters in this Bible, chapters that were discussed in Sunday services two years ago when I was still living on my own in Manila, and my weekends were spent alone in malls. I loved going to church on my own, entering the huge hall filled with strangers with a common purpose...to worship.
I opened my favorite chapter, Psalm 23.
The Lord is my Shepherd
I have all that I need (I love saying this over and over again)
He lets me rest in green meadows
He leads me beside peaceful streams.
He renews my strength.
He guides me along right paths,
bringing honor to His Name.
Even when I walk through the darkest valley,
I will not be afraid,
for You are close beside me.
Your rod and Your staff protect and comfort me.
You prepare a feast for me
In the presence of my enemies.
You honor me by anointing my head with oil,
My cup overflows with blessings.
Surely Your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me
All the days of my life (I feel so special and loved when I read this line)
And I will live in the house of the Lord, forever.
I remember that Sunday's preaching to be one of the most powerful preaching I've heard in the almost 20 years that I am a Christian. And from then on, I find myself turning to this chapter of God's promises every time I feel the world closing in on me.
I read this Psalm now for Japan, and all the people there who are probably feeling like they are literally going through a valley of darkness. I do not claim to understand why this had to happen to them, my mind is filled with as many questions and I too am seeking answers. All I know is that all these have already been written, and have to, and will happen. All I know is there is a God who loved this world so much, He made it a point to save everyone of us, even before we thought we needed salvation.
No comments:
Post a Comment