In the Wake of Disaster

The world is reeling in the aftermath of Tuesday’s devastating earth­quake in Haiti. The Wall Street Journal is comparing it with the 2004 Christmas tsunami that had a six-digit death toll. These are sobering days.

Many people may be wondering how to make sense of such grievous misery. How would God have us look at this? How are we to understand a world in which such seemingly random, dread­fully severe suffering strikes as it does? Let me offer a few ideas:

1. “Be still and know that I am God” (Ps 46:10). Resist the impulse to accuse God of wrong, and instead cover your mouth. “The Lord gives and the Lord takes away” (Job 1:21). Does the pot have a right to find fault with the Potter (Rom 9:20)? The Lord does not answer to us: we answer to Him.

2. “The Lord reigns” (Pss 96:10; 99:1; 115:3), even now—as always.

3. God does not always disclose his purposes to us. Some questions remain unanswered in this life. The Lord has all eternity to put things right, and he does what he does in his own good time.

4. Seek answers in God’s Word. Don’t let the panic of the moment propel you away from the only Source of Truth that can provide a solid footing in this world’s swamp of sorrow. Read Job 1-2 and 38-41; Luke 13:1-9; John 9:1-5; Prov 1:7; Luke 8:25; Pss 104:32; 147:15-18; Amos 3:6; Isaiah 45:7. Among other things, the Word teaches that even when Satan is instrumental in human suffering, God is not caught off-guard or held hostage by the Enemy: afflic­tion is permitted purposefully, and one purpose is to humble hearts and drive us to our knees in repentance (Luke 13:3). Disasters are a wake up call to a world snoozing in the dreamland of earthly pleasures: life is short, insecure, and dangerous; seize the moment (while it lasts) and run to Christ for mercy and eternal life.

5. Weep with those who weep (Rom 12:15). Love your neighbors (Luke 10:25-37), including those in Haiti. As one step to take, consider donating to Food for the Hungry.

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Haiti Earthquake

I just re-read several articles John Piper has written on how to think about natural disasters and resulting human suffering. Very helpful. Very sobering. The Word of God has much to say to help us get our bearings amidst life's quaking.

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Read the Bible in Two Years

I just began again with a two-year Bible reading plan. I don't know about you, but I really benefit from the structure of a plan/schedule for regular Bible reading. Otherwise I end up wandering and fizzling out. Here's a two-year schedule I developed: click here.
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