The way I look at life, God puts people in our paths for a reason. So whoever we encounter —whether in person, in print or online —is a means of drawing us closer to our Maker.
The news is a prime example: The disaster in Japan is the stuff of heartache, a sure sign that we’re being called to do something.
Most of us send up prayers when we hear of a disaster like this. But we must admit that the catastrophe will linger in the lives of those affected much longer than they’ll stay in our hearts. This could be a sign that we need to go far deeper into prayer than we often do when the news is bad. Here are some ways to accomplish this:
- Consider how long the calamity will affect others, and commit to praying for them daily for that length of time.
- Pray Psalm 77 each day at the time the disaster struck on behalf of the people affected.
- Pray individually for each person you see pictured in the newspaper or online.
- “Adopt” a person you see in a news report, and pray for him or her regularly.
And of course, ask God what else He wants you to do to help. Contribute what you can right now. And then contribute again, as soon as you can.
For a list of worthy organizations accepting donations to help those affected by the earthquake and tsunami in Japan, visit Charity Navigator.
