Tsunami Reflections

[Excerpt from A Leaf from the Ark 22 - Summer 2005]

New Year’s Greetings.

It has been a sombre New Year for the world as we learn of the overwhelming tragedy caused by the massive earthquake and subsequent tsunamis around the Indian Ocean. Our prayers are with those who have suffered.

It is overwhelming to think of the power of such a natural phenomenon and that disaster can come to any of us just as easily. Creation indeed groans waiting for the liberty God will bring (Rom 8, Rev 21) when there will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.

Don’t forget the great flood in the days of Noah, when the fountains of the deep and the windows of heaven flooded our entire globe for over a year and destroyed all living creatures except the few who followed God’s commands.

Every rainbow reminds us of God’s promise when He said “Never again will the waters become a flood to destroy all life” (Gen 9:15). Our Lord enables our every breath and can hold the waters in the hollow of His hand (Is 40:12). Heaven and earth may pass away but His words will never pass away (Mtt 24:34). How grateful we are that God’s promises never fail and His love and faithfulness are everlasting.

Psalm 46God is our refuge and strengthOur ever-present help in troubleTherefore we will not fearThough the earth give wayAnd the mountains fall into the heart of the seaThough the waters roar and foamAnd the mountains shake with their surgingFor there is a river whose streamsMake glad the city of GodThe holy placeWhere the Most High dwellsPS. It is wonderful to see nations giving generously to the victims of the tsunami and the doors being opened for Christian Aid agencies to normally hostile Muslim countries. We pray that God's light will shine brightest in these dark places.

Kerryanne Dalgleish