The people of Japan are suffering tremendous loss. When the earth beneath their feet ruptured, the sea floor tumbled with such a force that billions of gallons of water rolled over their island.
As you watch this video, you can see cars racing from a wall of water that was committed to win. Inside those cars were husbands, wives, parents, and children. Many simply did not survive. Seldom do we see the suffering of people we don’t know in such vivid detail.
The pain of the Japanese people is simply overwhelming today, but this kind of pain is nothing new. Today, thousands of people were diagnosed with terminal cancer. Hundreds of mothers will never see their 16-year-old daughter again. The car accident caused too much trauma to her body. There were thousands of husbands who came home to an empty house that was filled with a wife and children earlier in the day. They left and they aren’t coming back. These are everyday earthquakes.
I’m excited to see how the global community mobilizes relief efforts for Japan. It seems the worst circumstances bring out the best in people. Billions of dollars will be donated to help victims and to rebuild that nation. As important as the financial support is, what are we to tell those left behind? What can we do to bring real help for those wounded by everyday earthquakes?
Here’s a starting place?
• Pray for them.
Whether they are present or not, pray for them. God is not absent or uninvolved, and the “effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much” (James 5:16b).
• Fully acknowledge the loss.
This tragedy has literally rocked their world and the pain is very real and will not go away when the sea goes back into its borders.
• Affirm God’s perfect love.
The question “Why?” is a difficult question to answer, particularly early on. And as much as people may ask, most attempts to answer will fall short. But God’s love can be affirmed with gentle confidence (1 John 4:8).
• Avoid casting judgment.
Everyday earthquakes are not quickly understood, so any attempt to sketch a cause and effect should be avoided. Job did not appreciate the smug counsel of his “friends” (Job 16:1-3).
• Recognize God’s absolute control.
The earth spins in orbit, the sun shines, the rain falls, and seas roar at the command and control of the Creator. “But our God is in the heavens; He does whatever He pleases” (Psalm 115:3). This simply means the day my life is under water, I can trust God. God is not wanting or in any way paralyzed. He is a powerful God!
• Be present.
When helping wounded people, theology lessons are not necessary except those lessons demonstrated in the ministry of presence. In our most desperate condition, Jesus left His throne and came to us. We now have been called to the same incarnational ministry of coming alongside the hurting in service and in much silence.
We can’t undo what’s been done, but we can “love our neighbor as ourselves” during their most desperate hour.
Now it’s your turn. Use the comment section below to share insights and actions that can help others during everyday earthquakes.
