Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. (Matthew 5:4 NIV)
This past week, many of us have watched as the worst disaster in Southern California history has unfolded. It will take years to recover. You may live far away from California, but more than likely you’ll face some form of hardship in your life (you may even be facing one now).Maybe you’ve wept as you witnessed the horrible losses of life and property in California. Maybe you've lost a family member or a home or business yourself. When you face a crisis, it’s normal to feel all sorts of emotions – fear, anger, worry, depression, resentment, helplessness, grief.

It does no good to stuff emotions or deny they exist. God created us to feel emotions, and he doesn't expect us to act happy when we’re grieving. Jesus said, “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.” That means it is OK to be honest about our grief. “Pour out your heart to him, for God is our refuge.” (Psalms 62:8 NLT) God wants to comfortus in tragedy. He is close to the broken-hearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.It’s a huge mistake to isolate yourself when you’re going through a crisis. We all need the support, encouragement, and presence of other people, particularly in the aftermath of tragedy. The Bible tells us that when we carry one another’s burdens, we obey the Law of Christ. (Galatians 6:2) Some people become bitter when faced with hardship – but bitterness is a choice we make. You don’t have to be bitter. If you choose bitterness, you’ll only end up hurting yourself – and you’ll shut the door on happiness because you can’t be happy and bitter at the same time. As I’ve watched television interviews related to the California wildfires, there are some victims who say, “We lost it all, and we’re sad, but we’re still together as a family, and we’re going to work together and rebuild.” Yet others say, “My life is over! I just don’t see how I can go on from here; I don’t think I can ever recover from this.” It’s not an easy choice, but it is a choice between believing God is still in control or believing you’re on your own.There’s absolutely no correlation in life between your circumstances and your joy. None whatsoever! Joy comes from within. It is based on who you trust, not what you see or feel. When you give your grief to God, he is faithful to comfort you (Matthew 5:4).
When you experience disaster, focus on what you still have, not on what’s lost. Tell God you’re thankful for what you still have. Make a list of all the good things inyour life. Personally, I find it is impossible to be grateful and depressed at the same time.

Hi Thomas,

I feel so sad for all those who have lost their lives in those horrible fires in California, but I know God will take care of them.

For all the survivors, I say, draw closer to God, hold to his unchanging hands.  He carried you through this horrible disaster, because he is not through with you yet.  God, still has a plan for you.  Just learn to continue to trust in him and to continue to lean on his everylasting arms. 

               

Beryl

Thats the spirit Beryl!  theres always something good that comes out of everything! new friends? new Spirit? new life? Thank you sister.

Its sad for people caught up in natural or any disasters in the world.
When they are at your doorstep, you tend to stand up and feel the impact.
When they are a long way away, you tend to just think, yet another disasater.
I watched a movie on dvd today, which I had not seen for about 10 years.
It seems more realistic, in todays climate.
The Seventh Sign , starring Demi Moore.
It really made me think and think of the increase in our times, right now in disasters  in this day and age. Every Day almost somewhere in the world there is a flood, fire, people dying of aids and the list goes, on and on. of course droughts and strange weather patterns.
I wonder. Keith.

Hi Thomas

The terrible disaster in California has touched all our hearts.  We prayed for them in our local chapel last Sunday.  I know what it is like to lose someclose in tragic circumstances, time and prayer are a great healer.

God Bless

Fionnuala

Lurgan NIreland