As for me, I shall behold Your face in righteousness; I will be satisfied with Your likeness when I awake. Psalm 17:15
Our missionaries have had an ongoing relationship with Nebbi Diocese in remote, northwest Uganda for more than twenty years. I once spent a six-and-a-half-month visit with them working on a project some years ago, and I return to Nebbi once or twice almost every year. Besides its breathtaking natural beauty, I love the people of Nebbi. They are warm, friendly, and they love Jesus.
In Nebbi, the people have a beautiful greeting for one another. When one approaches the other, he says, “Pakabed ni Yesu,” (meaning “praise Jesus”). And the response is, “Yesu romo,” (“Jesus satisfies.”) Isn’t this a lovely way to greet one another? And the people live in that truth.
Having few financial resources, the Christians of Nebbi have learned to rely on Jesus. My friend Helen prayed for an old gentleman who was experiencing back pains. The next time she saw him, she asked about his health. He looked at her in surprise and remarked that she had prayed for him, and he was fine—of course. The Nebbi folk trust Jesus and look to him every day to supply their daily needs.
In an environment where we have more than we need, I wonder if we know how much we really need Jesus. He told us in John 15:5 that without him we can do nothing. Do we realize how truly impoverished we are without him? And even with all our stuff, are we satisfied unless we’ve found our satisfaction in him?
I came in my office one day and found a lovely pillow that had been embroidered with the text, “Yesu Romo.” One of my young friends had heard me talk about Nebbi and had the pillow made for me. It sits in my favorite chair now and every morning reminds me of the only true source of satisfaction: Jesus.
Father, you open your hands wide and fill us with yourself. Nothing can satisfy us like Jesus. May we never seek those things that only temporarily slake our thirst. Thank you for Jesus. AMEN
agodforeveryday 