What I Learned in Uganda...

Main road in Gulu town

Cannot be summed up neatly or precisely...but I faced two major challenges during my time in Uganda, which ended up being blessings in disguise:
1) A clear awareness of my own mortality; and
2) An awareness of my utter dependence on God.

What does one do in the face of an awareness that people's lives "are like grass which whithers away" in due season (Isaiah)?

Somehow seeing and experiencing my mortality and dependence on God filled me with a kind of strange strength; a realization that God was far stronger, bigger and much more involved in my life and those around me than I ever imagined or fathomed...I felt I could literally see the way God was 'making all things new' and how, slowly, but surely, the promises he made in the book of Isaiah, which I was meditating on throughout my journey, would come to pass, not only for the world, but especially for the people of Uganda. It was incredible to experience the reality of the spiritual realms pervading the real world in real time during my stay in Uganda. Reading through Isaiah was especially uplifting and encouraging. So, while one might be tempted to despair or fall into a torpor over the situation there now, somehow, I was filled with a deep gratitude, joy, peace and love; and that experience continues to stay with me here.

This morning I was reading Psalms 16. These words help to capture what I learned, what I am experiencing, as a result of my time in Uganda. The fruits of the journey will stay with me for the rest of my life.

Psalm 16

Protect me, God
because I trust in you.
I said to the Lord, "You are my Lord.
Every good thing I have comes from you."
As for the godly people in the world,
they are the wonderful ones I enjoy.
But those who turn to idols
will have much pain.
I will not offer blood to those idols or even speak their names.

No, the Lord is all I need.
He takes care of me.
My share in life has been pleasant,
my part has been beautiful.

I praise the Lord because He advises me.
Even at night, I feel his leading.
I keep the Lord before me always.
Because He is close by my side,
I will not be hurt.

So I rejoice and am glad.
Even my body has hope,
because you will not leave me in the grave.
You will not let your holy one rot.
You will teach me how to live a holy life.

Being with you will fill me with joy;
at your right hand I will find pleasure forever.

***

I love you, God. I have tasted and seen how precious is your love through Christ, who died that those who believe in You might have everlasting life.