David Healey

'How can we sing the Lord's song in a foreign land?' Psalm 137:4.

Another way of putting that is 'How can faith stand firm when far away from home?'

The book of Daniel helps us find some of the answers, but it begins with the words 'Nebuchadnezzar King of Babylon came to Jerusalem and besieged it.' This is the introduction to a devastating experience. Not only was Jerusalem besieged, it was utterly destroyed. Its buildings and Temple were razed to the ground, its treasures stolen and its leaders and skilled workers deported with great cruelty.

Not all moves of course to foreign countries are as traumatic. However this event long ago provides lessons for all those times when suddenly we are faced with difficulties when seeking to live out our faith in a 'strange land.' Students, ministers, workers and their families - all face such things as loss, bewilderment and even anger when familiar routines, support and ties are removed. Right from chapter one the book shows the importance Daniel gave to:

• Prayer - sustained and earnest
• Determination - not to compromise over key issues
• Dedication - use of his gifts and insights
• Trust - God would see him through
• Fellowship - he teamed up with Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah and they prayed and worked together, supporting and encouraging each other (2:8)

No moaning about how dreadful it was. No hiding his light under a bushel. No feeling that God would let him down. Remembering God's goodness in the past and believing that God would bring good out of this national calamity, Daniel faithfully pressed on. And the result? Well there's Daniel's own powerful witness and survival. The prophetic writings (chapter seven onwards) which were to transcend time and now form part of our own Scriptures. And, from the nation as a whole, many good things came (e.g. bringing together much of the Old Testament).

Even when the welcome warm and motivation high, living in a 'strange land' does bring difficulties and challenges. But for individuals, it can be a time of great value. And on a wider scale great influence and untold good can result.

Who then is for 'singing the Lord's song in a strange land?'