Pause Moments

Psalm 63:4 – I will honor you as long as I live, lifting up my hands to you in prayer. (NLT)

As these days pass by one by one, I find myself taking longer-than-usual pause moments.

I was leaving on Friday morning for an appointment when I caught the unfolding story of the earthquake in Japan, a story that was just beginning to be heard around the world. For the people in Japan, the story of devastation had already been written, but not complete by any means. Reports from Japan would be on the news all weekend with more information and detail, while many sat and watched in disbelief as the lives of the people in Japan were being changed.

In adversity, we all find ourselves searching and reaching. For me, the only comfort that I could find and continue to find is in prayer, prayer to the One who holds the beginning and the end in His hands.

The whole world has been affected by this desolation, and the people of Japan have to find something to hold onto and to find hope. There are very few Christians in Japan. We need to pray that many people there will reach out and come to know the Lord through this. And for those who already have a relationship with the Lord, we must pray that they will be able to share a testimony of how the Lord has carried them through the storms of life and through this one in particular. It is going to take a very long time for the rebuilding, and even longer for the healing of the people of Japan.

We are called to pray for one another. I cannot think of a time of greater importance than this to offer prayers for the people of Japan and other affected areas.

Colossians 4:2 – Devote yourselves to prayer with an alert mind and thankful heart. (NIV)

Prayer: Dear Jesus, we thank You for our salvation. Lord, help us to know how to pray and to give, in whatever ways we can during this time. Lord, we pray that this disaster will bring people and nations together, and that people will turn to You. Lord, thank You that people are already hearing the call to go and serve in this area. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

[Editor's note: Readers are encouraged to donate to appropriate relief agencies. Canadian donations are being accepted online by the Red Cross and Presbyterian World Service and Development, among many other agencies around the world.]

Forward this devotional     Share this devotional on Facebook     Like PresbyCan on Facebook