University of Groningen
Experiencing God in a foreign land Counted, Victor
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Publication date: 2019
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Counted, V. (2019). Experiencing God in a foreign land: Theoretical and empirical explorations on the psychological links between religion and place among dispersed people. University of Groningen.
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Epilogue
As I come to the end of this book, one thing has become very clear to me as I contemplate on the phrase “experiencing God in a foreign land.” It made me come to the realisation that my life has been woven around this phrase, as I reflect on my personal pilgrimage in this world as a ‘migrant’, or perhaps ‘dispersed person’, travelling across time and space experiencing God for myself in new territories and places where I am often perceived as the ‘other’. One thing is sure: my personal relationship with God holds the core of my sense of self in this world. The study results reflect my own personal experience as an African living in the diaspora on the margins of hope, not knowing what tomorrow holds, but relying on God who is my heavenly father, my refuge, and a friend closer than a brother. It is from this secure base that my identity has been shaped and to this safe haven I turn to in times of distress. Yes, I am experiencing God in a foreign land. For me “foreign land” means another man’s country or a place of ontological displacement, though it can mean something else for others. For instance, “foreign land” could also represent a “strange” and “dark” place of life. We all have at one point or the other been in such a dystopia—a strange, dark place. I don’t know about you but what makes the difference for me is the fact that I know Whom to turn to when life throws me lemons, it is from this secure base that I confidently make lemonade out of life. Find yours. Mine is found in God, the owner of the universe. He is the Almighty and all-knowing God to me and I experience Him through His Spirit which lives in me. When I think about God, I also know Him by other names:
● El Shaddai (Lord God Almighty) ● Jehovah Nissi (Lord my Banner) ● Jehovah-Raah (Lord my Shepherd) ● Jehovah Jireh (Lord my Provider) ● Jehovah Shalom (Lord my Peace) ● Jehovah Sabaoth (the Lord of hosts). ● Jehovah Rapha (the Lord that heals me)
● Jehovah Shammah (the Lord that is there for me) ● Jehovah Tsidkenu (the Lord my righteousness)
● Jehovah Mekoddishkem (the Lord Who sanctifies me) ● El Olam (the Everlasting God)
● El Elyon (the Most High God) ● Elohim (God)
It is in God that I find my refuge and strength—He is my safe haven. It is only in Him that I find my security—He is my secure base. My God, my ultimate attachment figure!
