Coping With Natural Disasters

 Have a plan of action

In spite of all precautions taken, you may still find yourself a victim of  an unexpected tragedy.  Coping with it will be much easier if you have planned in advance.  This is also in harmony with the advice at Provrbs 22:3, quoted earlier.  Do you have an emergency kit prepared and ready to go? The publication 1-2-3 of Disaster Education recommends including the follow items:  First-aid supplies, bottled water, nonperishable food, and important documents.  It would be wise to review with your family the types of disasters that could take place and what could be done in each case. 

Maintain a close relationship with God

This can help in any circumstance.  The Bible speaks of God as "the Father of tender mercies and the God of all comfort, who comfort us in all our tribulation."  Another verse describs him as the God "who comforts those laid low." -  2 CORINTHIANS 1:3, 4; 7:6.

Yes, God is keenly aware of the circustances coming  upon those who put faith in him. He is a God of love and provides uplifting encouragement in various ways.  (1 John 4:8)  Prayers, not for miracles but God's powerful holy spirit, can provide help in any situation.  The holy spirit can' bring to mind Bible passages can be comforting and sooothing to those experience adversities. Truly, God's  faithful servants can feel as David did, a king of ancient Israel, who said: "Even though I walk in the valley of deep shadow, I fear nothing bad, for you are with me, your rod and your staff are the things that comfort me." - PSALM 23:4.

Next time: Coping With Natural Disasters -Fellow Christians help one another

From the jw.org publication