Ethnic tensions simmer.  

To be honest, I’m grateful for a reason to leave our village for a few weeks. Our organization’s annual conference in the capital city of a neighboring country is a welcome disruption. A little time away will be a relief. 

Insecurity grows. 

My husband and I pack and tidy up our grass-roof house. Even with two young children, we won’t need much for the three weeks at the conference. A couple books and a favorite blanket for each of our children fit in their backpacks, along with jackets and socks for cooler weather.  

Suspicion spreads. 

We meet the small Cessna plane on the grass airstrip. Children from the village line the edge of the airstrip. They watch the pilot refuel the plane and load our bags. They watch me help our two children into the plane and buckle them in. They watch the plane fly away from the tension and insecurity and suspicion. I watch them and my heart aches for these precious children. I have a way out. They don’t. 

Psalm 5 ends with strong, beautiful reminders that our security is found in the Lord. I couldn’t take the children from the village with me to a safer place, but I could pray verses from Psalm 5 over them. 

When ethnic tensions simmer, may they take refuge in the Lord.  

When insecurity grows, may the Lord spread his protection over them.  

When suspicion spreads, may the Lord cover them as with a shield.  

And may we all ever sing for joy, safe and secure in the Lord!