Seeking God in Times of Calamity

The records of history include many incidents of catastrophes, disasters, and great calamities such as floods, wildfires, earthquakes, tornados, volcanic eruptions, hurricanes, plagues, famines, and other natural disasters. Add to these man-made disasters such as wars, genocides, and terrorism. As a result of these calamities, many people are overwhelmed by the circumstances of the event and are brought to a state of distress where hope can only be found through divine intervention. Whether they are believers or not, they are compelled by the divine spark that resides in all of mankind to seek the protection of their creator, the almighty God. Tragedies such as both World Wars, the Great Plague of the 14th century, the great Irish Famine, the Indonesian tsunami of 2004, the 911 attack, and Covid 19 brought people to their knees in grief. Many of these calamities reminded people that mankind is not in control of natural disasters and therefore hope can only be found in a power greater than man’s ingenuity and capabilities. Following these events, the churches were overrun with people seeking God’s intervention and comfort. In recent memory, many people can remember that this phenomenon occurred after 911 and Covid. And in recent times this has occurred on a smaller scale as a result of local floods, fires, hurricanes, and civil unrest.

Disorientation and Reorientation

When great disasters occur, people’s senses are overwhelmed by the ensuing chaos and disorder. The normal order of life is disrupted, and their minds struggle to comprehend and adapt, this is disorientation. A process must take place where the mind can regain its abilities to function and respond to the situation, this is reorientation. In the disorientation process, the shock to the system is so great that it is able to shatter the persons worldview as they instinctively look to the divine for help. In other words, they reach upward toward God, because the image of God which is engraved in their spirit looks home to the One that is in control of all things. In the reorientation process, God’s power displayed through the forces of nature compels them to develop a new worldview where His sovereignty is confirmed and submission is required to receive His deliverance.

Relationship

And this is the heart of the matter; that what cries out in the hearts of those who are suffering in times of great calamity is relationship–relationship with the magnificent and compassionate God. Mankind is the pinnacle of God’s creation, created in the image of His maker so that he is able to be in relationship with Him. Even after the fall, mankind continues to bear the image of God and so he longs to be restored to the relationship that he was created to enjoy with his creator. Man’s spirit is only truly gratified when he is connected and in union with Christ. In times of anguish, man’s spirit can only be relieved by God’s presence–and God’s presence is felt as He provides His care and blessings.

Zephaniah 3:17
“The LORD your God is in your midst,
a mighty one who will save;
he will rejoice over you with gladness;
he will quiet you by his love;
he will exult over you with loud singing.”

This is the blessing of care that people seek in times of calamity, and only God can provide it for those who are in relationship to Him. God’s loving care is the necessary remedy for the wounds of despair and suffering. This is what people will be seeking when calamity strikes. Pastors, church leaders, and Christians must be ready to minister to the needs of the people during these times. Unbelievers will be searching for God, and they must be introduced to Him through the Gospel message. Through the Gospel, they will meet the risen Christ who will draw them to Himself, (John 12:32). Then by repenting, believing and proclaiming faith in Him, they will enter into relationship with God. They will then have access to the benefits of His grace and lovingkindness as described throughout the Scriptures. Church leaders and all Christians should be prepared to give the Gospel message to anyone who asks, as the Apostle Peter states in (1Pet. 15),“But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.” For those who do not know the Lord yet seek Him, find His servants who can proclaim the Gospel to you. Search the Scriptures for His word and seek Him with all of your heart and all of your mind so that you establish a committed relationship with Him that endures, and is not but a shallow relationship built on thin soil that withers after the crisis has passed.

Closing Remarks

God has written His law in the hearts of mankind, so they know God instinctively. Since their creation, men and women had the truth made evident to them by God concerning His nature, power, and attributes, but because of unrighteousness they must suppress this truth to reject Him;

“For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, because that which is known about God is evident within them; for God made it evident to them. For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made, so that they are without excuse,” (Romans 1:18–20).

The desire for God and the knowledge of Him is evident to all people. In times of great affliction, people are guided by the truth to seek Him for help. They desire more than assistance; they desire to be in relationship with Him and protected in the refuge of His kingdom. For those who truly seek Him, they will find Him. For those who suppress the truth that is evident to them, they will be left to their own destiny which involves the wrath of God. God is faithful to His word, and He will deliver those that belong to His kingdom and those who call on Him through faith. Relationship is the connection to Him and the key to His kingdom. Entering into His kingdom is only the beginning as righteousness, peace, contentment, and eternal life are added to those who are subjects of the Kingdom of God. May God bless you and hear your pleas when calamity strikes!