Standing there in the chaotic baggage hall not knowing how Kay was doing and feeling 10,000 miles from her, I sang the Matt Redman song 10,000 Reasons. Over and over and over, I quietly sang the words. The sun was going down outside and the words of the song are:
Whatever may pass and whatever lies before me,
Let me be singing when the evening comes.
This is not how I envisioned my return trip. I had received word about 24 hours earlier that Kay had fallen and broken a bone in her elbow. After spending the day changing my flights, I was on my way home. I had to get my bag from this domestic baggage claim so I could check in for my international flight. I had been waiting almost 3 hours for my bag. I was also waiting for a text from Kay telling me she was through the outpatient surgery. Neither was forthcoming.
While I waited, I sang Matt Redman’s song to myself. While 500+ people from 2 international flights plus several domestic flights crowded around 2 small baggage belts in 90 degree tropical humidity. As bags were delivered a few at a time, I blessed the Lord. While I wondered how Kay was faring as the surgeon removed bone chips from her elbow, I blessed the Lord. He is good. I received the next-to-last seat on the only domestic connecting flight that would have put me in this baggage claim in time for my international connection. Now if only my bag would come. If only Kay’s text would come.
God does that. He puts us in these distilling situations to help us trust him even more. And he brings others around to pray for us and to help us. It’s fragile and frail sometimes, but it works when we work it. It works when we choose to remember that he is faithful. It works when we choose to remember that he is good. It works when we choose to remember that he is full of mercy and compassion.
I think that is why I like the Psalms of David. He pours out his junk in plain language. He does not hold back. But he ends up with God’s goodness and mercy and faithfulness.
Have you read any Psalms lately? The 30’s and 60’s are good places to start.