God shows up


’The Lord is king, let the earth rejoice! Let the farthest coastlands be glad. Righteousness and justice are the foundation of his throne. …the earth sees and trembles, the mountains melt like wax before the Lord. before the Lord of ALL THE EARTH…The heavens proclaim his righteousness; EVERY NATION sees his glory. Those who worship idols are disgraced—for every god must bow to Him. Jerusalem has heard and rejoiced, and all the towns of Judah are glad because of your justice, O Lord! For you, O Lord, are supreme over ALL THE EARTH; you are exulted far above all gods…’ psalm 97

In this land filled with so many obvious signs of need, pain, and clear worship of other gods on every corner, I ran down the sidewalks this morning singing these words in my head and aloud. I passed monks, security guards, trash, and pagodas; and praised the God of the universe that He came to live amongst us in this broken world. I praised Him because I am so overjoyed to see the world through the lens of this city and this place. It is so obvious to me that He IS the God of ALL the earth, and as I SEE and HEAR of how He is transforming the lives of people here, I can barely contain my joy- He asked ME to live here—and in turn I get to witness this transformation before my eyes.

Today I was asked, “you have mentioned that ‘God shows up.’ What does that mean exactly?’ Does it mean God hasn't shown up if He doesn't answer our prayers or respond in the way we have asked or would like to see? I said, “God shows up when I have something I can put my finger on that reminds me that He is HERE; that He IS the God of the universe." It may be simple, or may be more profound. Today it was this- a simple song, a city full of people who call upon other gods, and the words of Psalm 97.

So may the mountains melt like wax in Cambodia. May we see and tremble because Jesus is King. I want to see in more and more ways that He is supreme over ALL the earth; and truly, He is exulted above every other god of this country. Today He reminded me; ‘I AM.’ He showed up.

Atoning sacrifice 

Keeper of this life 

Hallelujah You are Savior 

Beginning and the end 

Forgiver of my sin 

By Your mercy
You have saved us 

Jesus You are stronger 

More than any other 

Hallelujah what a Savior 

Jesus You are higher 

My soul’s deepest desire 

Hallelujah what a Savior 

You are the shepherd King 

You lead us by still waters 

Hallelujah You are Savior 

You are my only hope 

Your kindness is my friend 

In Your presence You restore us 

You are the way the truth and the life 

You are my joy and salvation 

Stood in my place taking my shame
Jesus You are stronger 

More than any other 

Hallelujah what a Savior 



(What a Savior, performed here by Laura Story)