“The LORD is a refuge for the oppressed,

a stronghold in times of trouble.

Those who know your name will trust in you,

for you, LORD, have never forsaken those who seek you”

(Psalm 9:9-10).

“The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit;

a broken and contrite heart,

O God, you will not despise”

(Psalm 51:17).

“A bruised reed he will not break,

and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out,

till he leads justice to victory.

In his name the nations will put their hope”

(Isaiah 42:3/Matthew 12:20).

***

A week ago, Haiti, the poorest of all nations, was hit with a devastating earthquake. It is feared that as many as 200,000 have perished. Young, old, black, white, educated, uneducated, spiritual, unspiritual. No one was immune.

I see the pictures, but I can’t hear the cries. I watch the videos but can’t smell the death. It is unimaginable desperation.

The people had nothing, and now they have even more nothing. So destitute, people are robbing dead bodies.

No one is safe from the aftershocks, there is nowhere to hide. Even the best-built structure in Port-au-Prince, the nation’s capital, was leveled.

O God have mercy on the people of Haiti. Bless those who are on the front lines to help bring food, water, medical treatment, and aid to those who need it most. May all find their hope in You, “a refuge for the oppressed, and a stronghold in times of trouble.”