No doubt the Internet and blogs worldwide are inundated with references to Hurricaine Katrina, instances of such being comparable to the number of raindrops the storm has already produced. As the nation, especially those in Katrina's path, turned its eyes toward the Gulf of Mexico, with questions and worries abounding. I was struck most, though, by the references to God and to prayer.

In my experience, most people turn to the Lord in times of distress. We saw it after the terrorist attacks four years ago, we see it sporadically throughout the difficult times of war and uncertainty, and again we see it in the path (and wake) of a natural disaster. Now, I am certainly in favor of crying out to God for strength and protection, but what about afterward?

Humanity, not just Americans (though we display our fair share), are creatures of habit and self-indulgence. Our tendency is to live life by whatever code we desire at any given time, giving little thought to the principle of true Christianity (i.e. a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, not a default monaker, or "I'm not this or that religion, so that must mean I'm Christian). Then, when we are suddenly confronted with the truth of our fragility and ultimate powerlessness, our hearts and minds turn toward God. After the crisis has abated, our old habits return.

During those dark hours, we honestly feel that, even though life is out of our hands, God will be there, and that somehow gives us a peace. Why don't people want that all of the time? Why do we not crave that sense of Divine Providence in the everyday challenges we face?

I don't believe there are any simple answers to those questions. As a pastor, I could certainly spend several sermons-worth of time expounding on the Biblical aspects of these questions, and my own personal views. However, I will refrain at the present time.

I would like to say, though, that the peace of God is extended to all those who receive Jesus Christ into their heart. All are weak, and as the Bible says, all have sinned and all fall enormously short of the glory and perfection of God. There are times that each of us gives into our 'fleshly nature,' following feelings or circumstances away from God's path of righteousness. But then we begin to have that sense of loss, that emptiness that the world seems to have in abundance. We lose our grip on peace.

The only way to hold onto the peace of God, the peace described as beyond human understanding, is not to turn to the Lord only in the times of distress and disaster, but to follow Him in the good times, too. Many have died in the wrath of Katrina, but so many have thanked God that it was not worse than it was. The best way to truly thank God for His grace is to live for him in the aftermath.

Many will say that I have no idea what I'm talking about, that these are empty words from an empty head, that God is a myth. I do not agree. The biggest reason? The peace. If it is beyond understanding, how do I know I have it? I just know. That is what God does. If peace is missing from your life, whether you've suffered disaster or not, then I suggest getting to know the Lord. It's not difficult, and He's not far away. Just ask, and He will be there for you.


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