It’s such a blessing to have international news organizations that can report to us what is happening in far parts of the world so we can jump in and help in times of need.

Japan is certainly one of those places today. The after effect of the tsunami and the melt down of the nuclear reactors is of pressing global concern and crying out for effective remedy.

Because of the massiveness of the crisis, it’s tempting to feel hopeless about the situation. But that is the last sentiment we should let invade our thinking.

Material things may be swept away by uncontrolled waters, and landmarks that once stood tall suddenly gone, but human and spiritual hope cannot be stolen. They are permanent and ever-present to resurrect homes and lives right in the middle of previous devastation.

Last week, when the first pictures of the tsunami waves were shown on TV which included walls of water surging over seawall barriers and rushing into towns sweeping away cars and boats and houses, I was struck by the fragility of human existence. What people had taken for granted, houses to live in, businesses to work for and sites to visit were just gone, vanished in seconds.

Disasters like these quickly sober the human ego that looks to matter for support and protection. There is only one reality we can truly trust in—spiritual reality—which can never be swept away by flood waters or earthquakes or untamed nuclear reactors.

Jesus Christ came to teach us about spiritual reality and our ability to trust in it. He faced the cruelest mortal mind had to offer. Evil tried to destroy him, but he walked out of the tomb victor over evil’s plan. He proved that life and hope can triumph over evil and its gruesome methods. And he proved it for all time to come.

The Christ power that saved Jesus is with the Japanese people. No matter how dire and desperate the human condition looks, the presence of Christ is bigger. The Japanese people and neighbors who help will tame those reactors, restore communities and come out stronger, better off and more able than ever.

We need to watch what mental messages we send their way. They don’t need to feel more fright, worry, angst, despondency or heaviness. They need to feel hope, promise, potential, opportunity, support, inspiration, and love. To truly help, we need to feel these spiritual states ourselves and then encompass the struggling with those enligtened spiritual views. We can’t pull another out of quicksand if we jump in with them. We need to keep our mental feet planted on the bedrock of Truth. Then we can reach out to our neighbor sinking in trouble, grab them by the hand and pull them to safety.

“Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof.

“There is a river, the streams whereof shall make glad the city of God, the holy place of the tabernacles of the most High. God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved: God shall help her, and that right early.” Ps 46:2-5There are many ways we can help, even from a distance, and none the least includes our prayers.