Praying for Japan

Earthquake after earthquake, tsunami waves and warnings, nuclear explosions, terror, destruction, uncertainty, the most desperate of conditions. The island of Japan is not what it once was and I'm sure the people have had little time between searching for food and loved ones to stop and try to make sense of it all. And what sense can really be made of it? I mean, sometimes there is no explanation other than God is God and we just don't see what He sees. It is in the midst of these times of complete chaos and uncertainty that He invites us to seek refuge in His throne room, to fall to our knees, to enter His presence, with thanksgiving and praise. They call this the hard thanksgiving. When everything you see is falling apart, being thankful that what you don’t see is still standing - firm and steadfast, unshakeable, good. It is times like these we stand to find the purest of blessings, our way to the only true and good place– real safety in His arms, at the center of His will, a shelter from any storm, certainty beyond circumstances.

My heart breaks for the circumstances in Japan, and my heart leaps at the hope and opportunity to be found by the Japanese people, by us all. Hope in a God that is good, all the time, even in 10 feet of debris and destruction with fires raging on and loved ones buried alive. Even in these circumstances, His message is the same.

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” – John 3:16

“Fear not for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. For I am the Lord, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.” – Isaiah 43:1-3

Believing that He still has a plan for you, even after the shattered pieces fall to the water-soaked, debris littered, hopeless looking earth, and hoping that maybe, just maybe, He can put all the pieces back together more beautifully than they started? That’s faith. That’s a hope that is secure.

“Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.” – Hebrews 11:1

“And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.” – Hebrews 11:6

Let’s pray for the Japanese people and those God has called to serve in this crisis…

Abba Father, thank you for your goodness. Thank you for seeing what we can’t and loving us in the middle of our unbelief and doubt. Thank you that you get our attention, that you love us enough to remove scales and show us a little more of your glory every day. We know that you are in the middle of this disaster, calling brothers and sisters out of darkness, reminding us all that there is no other God apart from you. We lift up a nation that as a whole does not know you and we pray that your message will be heard in the midst of the debris, despite the destruction, for the glory of your kingdom. We pray for the ones you have called to serve and minister to these people, as well as the nation of Japan. Lord, we ask for your hedge of protection around the physical land, around the nuclear power plants, around the hearts of the people there. Lord, thank you for your sovereignty and for meeting us right where we are today and waiting for us in tomorrow. We ask that you rain down your mercy and peace on the island and people of Japan. Reveal yourself to them, God, so they will know real safety, certainty, peace. Lord, we pray that you bless the efforts of those you have sent to clean up, minister, serve. Lord, we praise you and honor you, the only one worthy of it. In Jesus’ precious, powerful, holy name. Amen.

Let's Pray...

Jesus, you know right where we are, what we face, what you are preparing us for, the true condition of our hearts. And as shameful as we could be about it all, we rest in the sufficieny of Your work on the cross. You are an amazing lover of our souls. This side of heaven, we will never comprehend. All we can do is understand we don't fully understand - that the grace and mercy and power that we do see is only the beginning, the very tip of an enormous iceberg. You are greater still!

As we enter into the Sabbath day, we rest in your love, we find contentment knowing you are all we need and that you know all we need. Sometimes, Jesus, we don't even know - but you do - every detail, every heartache, every suffering, every tear, every hair, every breath, every soul, every heart. You know all this and more. So. Much. More.

Lord, we just ask for Your presence in our lives - remove the scales from our eyes so we can see You working all around us! Work in our relationships, bind them in You. Guide our words, Lord, so they give wings to dreams and encourage souls. May we focus on Your people and not our tasks. In Your holy, precious name. Amen.

Forgive Me, Lord!

I don't know how well any of you did this holiday season with all the holiday dinners and tasty treats floating around, but I was pretty much a garbage disposal... or a trash can, however you want to look at it. I'm ready to turn this trash can back into God's temple!

Lord, forgive me! Forgive me for how I have treated Your temple these past weeks. Give me the will power to choose healthy foods in moderation, give me motivation to get my rubber on the road and grant me a willing spirit to sustain me. Give me the strength to battle my flesh and live victoriously in Christ! Amen.