DISASTER DIARIES
Yves Congar was just 10 years old when World War I began and the French
town where he lived was invaded by the German army. His mother encouraged him
to keep a diary, and what resulted was a lucid description of a military
occupation, complete with written narrative and colored sketches. His diary
recorded a disaster from a child’s perspective. What he witnessed had such a
profound effect on him that he felt called to bring others the hope of Christ.
Centuries earlier the prophet Jeremiah was an eyewitness to the invasion
of Jerusalem by Nebuchadnezzar. He wrote down his observations in his
“diary”—the book of Lamentations. Despite these distressing times, the prophet
found hope in the heart of God. He wrote: “Through the Lord’s mercies we are
not consumed, because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning;
great is Your faithfulness” (3:22-23).
At various times, we may experience or witness disasters that feel like
hostile forces entering our lives. But these times of trouble do not last
forever. And, like Jeremiah, our most sustaining hope is to reflect upon the
faithfulness and provision of our heavenly Father. The Lord’s compassions are
new every morning, and His faithfulness is great!
The best reason for hope is God’s faithfulness. (RBC)
