Natural Disasters

Then the earth quaked and trembled; the foundations of the mountains shook; they quaked because of his anger. Smoke poured from his nostrils; fierce flames leaped from his mouth; glowing coals flamed forth from him. He opened the heavens and came down; dark storm clouds were beneath his feet. Psalm 18: 7-9 NLT

After all the spring storms that have swept though the U. S.  and the tsunami in Japan recently, these verses make me uncomfortable. They suggest that earth quakes, volcanoes and storms - natural occurrences - are actually God acting on God's anger. The psalm has just said that someone called for help and this is the help that God is providing.

Certainly, there are those out there who truly believe this. Any natural disaster for them is God in action. Natural tragedies happen because God wills them to happen in order to punish.

I don't believe that.

I can't explain natural disasters. I won't even say it is the fault of people -- whether because of sin or poor stewardship of the earth. I do believe we need to turn from our sins as well as be better stewards. But do we suffer weather-related tragedy because of our fallen nature or lack of responsibility? No.

God does not want us to suffer. God does hear our prayers and God will provide ways to save us -- sometimes unexpected ways. But God does not cause natural disasters to either save or punish. Life is full of natural tragedies. God is always with us throughout, helping us to recover and use these times to become closer to God.

God, we do not blame you for any of the weather related disasters that we have experienced lately. We simply ask that you draw us closer to you no matter what. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Copyright 2011 Amelia G. Sims