The story they sing: A Psalm 13 song from Nigeria
More Christians live in Africa than anywhere else on the planet. Yet the church is vulnerable. In sub-Saharan Africa, Christians are suffering extreme persecution. Ethnic clashes create a volatile
climate. Weak governments offer little protection. And the violence directed at believers is costing lives and leaving families bereaved.
In the midst of such suffering, it can sometimes feel as though the Lord has forgotten them. Perhaps you’re in a season that feels like that right now.
David knew that feeling too. In Psalm 13, he cries out: “How long, Lord? Will you forget me forever?” Yet by the end of the chapter, his lament turns to trust: “But I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation. I will sing the Lord’s praises for He has been good to me.”
That tension between pain and trust is something every believer lives with. We live in a fallen world, in bodies that aren’t yet made new, waiting for the day when every tear will be wiped away (Revelation 21:4). Until then, sorrow and faith often walk side by side.
For our brothers and sisters in sub-Saharan Africa, that tension is especially sharp. Many have an earthly reason to feel forgotten. Still, they choose to sing.
That choice inspired something beautiful. Open Doors partners stepped outside their usual roles and joined believers in Nigeria to create How Long, O Lord, a song based on Psalm 13 and part of the Arise Africa campaign.
Listen to the song below, and as you do, remember that whatever you’re facing today, you’re not alone. The same God who carried David and carries believers in sub-Saharan Africa through unimaginable loss is faithful to you, too.
As you listen to the song, take a moment to read the stories of three believers in the region below, and pray with us for our family in sub-Saharan Africa.
at a mass grave near his village in Nigeria.
He needs your prayers.
In these difficult times, you can help in one powerful way: pray.
“Crying has become a part of me.”
Those are the words of Pastor Josiah. In Nigeria, where he lives, more than 3 400 Christians have been killed for their faith this year.
Pastor Josiah’s wife and three sons were murdered by Fulani extremists. Josiah himself was kidnapped and abused, but managed to escape.
“I saw the devil eye to eye. But believers’ prayers brought me out, and I was able to escape. I felt God was not yet done with me, and by the grace of God, I am still alive,” says Josiah.
“Crying has become a part of me.”
Now, this pastor – and many others – need your prayers. “Because I am a pastor, it is possible to fall victim again. I need prayer to fulfil God’s call on my life,” says Josiah.
“Your prayers reach anywhere. There is power in prayer. So I am pleading that you keep on supporting through your prayers.”
JOIN WITH PASTOR JOSIAH'S PRAYER
Our Father and Lord,
I am quiet before you, because my heart is heavy. Everything happening in the world is known to you. God in heaven, who reigns over all, our plea is that you bring comfort to all.
In these attacks across sub-Saharan Africa, many have lost their wives, children, siblings and neighbours. Jesus, our Saviour, be our great comforter. Our well of peace. Be ever close to us, our encourager.
Lord, please, will you stop the violence and start the healing.
Amen
