A New Song, A Hymn of Praise

Now that I’ve been in Botswana for almost 5 months, things have settled into more of a routine and everyday isn’t necessarily full of new and exciting things. At first, everything was so new and strange and I was just so thrilled to finally be here! It seemed like doors were opening everywhere and I couldn’t wait to get started. As the newness and excitement of being in Africa wears off, I am finding that there is so much to do and so little time and some days it seems like there is no way anything I do will make a difference. I’ve been away from home for long enough that homesickness is gone, but the knowledge that I will be away from family and friends (not to mention Dr. Pepper and Old Navy) for 2 years is a glaring reality. I’ve been here long enough that news from home is not always good and I understand that when I return everything will be different. So, it’s easy to get discouraged and begin to look out at the world through my own selfish and narrow view. Then God has to remind me that He is at work and I need only stay focused on Him. Everything else is secondary. I feel like Peter as he was walking on water in the midst of a storm. As long as he stayed focused on Jesus, Peter was able to walk atop the water. But as soon as his focus became the strength of the storm and his own fear, Peter began to sink. As my focus has wavered, it’s been easy for discouragement and doubt to creep in causing me to sink like Peter. In the midst of these unwelcome feelings, God reached out to me just like He did to Peter. He is bringing me back to His call on my life and reminding me that it is His will that the people of Botswana know His truth. God has given me reassurance and peace through the words of Psalm 40:

I waited patiently for the Lord, and He turned to me and heard my cry for help; He brought me up from a desolate pit, out of the muddy clay, and set my feet on a rock, making my steps secure. He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear, and put their trust in the Lord…Lord my God, you have done many things – Your wonderful works and Your plans for us; none can compare with You. If I were to report and speak of them, they are more than can be told…Lord do not withhold your compassion from me; Your constant love and truth will always guard me. For troubles without number have surrounded me; my sins have overtaken me; I am unable to see. They are more than the hairs of my head, and my courage leaves me. Lord, be pleased to deliver me; hurry to help me, Lord…Let all who seek You rejoice and be glad in You; let those who love Your salvation continually say, The Lord is great! I am afflicted and needy; the Lord thinks of me. You are my help and my deliverer; my God, do not delay.
Psalm 40:1-3, 5, 11-13, 16-17

Praise God for putting a new song in my mouth and reminding me to sing hymns of praise always! I hope you are comforted and reminded of His love through these words, as well. May God bless you my friends and family!