What words can convey the sheer horror, pain, and disbelief gripping the nation as wildfires continue to ravage the greater LA area? Death, chaos and heartbreaking loss are the smoldering remains of this catastrophe. These unquenchable flames do not discriminate in their destruction; they are relentless and merciless.
While there are moving accounts of generosity, bravery, and unity, the overall sense is still one of dread and dismay. As my sister and friends in the area text me about their losses, and I warily eye the “Red Flag Warning” area in the Watch Duty app expand to engulf my parents’ home, I can only imagine how traumatic and hard it must be for others living through the same or worse terror. Nothing can truly capture the magnitude of their sudden and devastating losses.
Though wildfires are nothing new to Southern California, these fires are unprecedented. Supernatural terms are needed to describe this natural disaster. Headlines with “hell,” “apocalyptic,” and “biblical” soberly remind us that in moments like these, when our collective conscience struggles to make sense of something so massively overpowering and overwhelming, we resort to divine imagery and spiritual realities.
Although no one can fully fathom the inscrutable ways of God, we know that his ways are good, loving, and trustworthy even if they don’t feel like it in the moment. And, in hopes of bringing some comfort and encouragement amidst the fire, especially to my brothers and sisters in the greater LA area, I turn to God’s word. And I lament.
So many of us are wondering, “How could God let this happen? Why do I feel abandoned by him or feel so unsettled when faith is supposed to anchor and ground me? Where is God amidst the fire?” To ache and ask such soul-wrenching questions is okay. It is okay, like King David who often bemoaned, “How long, Lord?” (Psalm 13:1), to cry out to God with raw emotion and sorrow, as you wrestle with why things happened the way they did.
This is lamenting, and it is something we need to do. “Why, O Lord, do you stand far away?,” David says elsewhere, “Why do you hide yourself in times of trouble?” (Psalm 10:1). Yes, there are so many piercing “Why?” questions that we might be asking right now:
“Why, O Father, did my friends, who were this close to trusting in Jesus, have to lose their home?”
“Why, O God, did my parents, who walked with you for decades, lose a lifetime of possessions in a split second?”
“Why, O Lord, did our church burn down?”
In response, let us not forget that God has always wanted our hearts. He especially wants it now, in your anguish, tragedy, confusion, and grief. Open your heart to him in prayer; draw near to him by pouring out your pain to him. Be brutally honest with your Father in heaven. Out of your calamity, call out to him; he anticipates and hears your cries.
To those crushed by sorrow and stricken with fear because of the wildfires, God cares for you and is present in your suffering. He who takes great delight in you, who rejoices over you with singing, and will never forsake you. Though David started with, “How long, Lord?”, he is comforted by the truth of God’s faithful presence amidst turmoil: “I have trusted in your steadfast love,” he confesses, “my heart shall rejoice in your salvation” (Psalm 13:5). Lamenting like David will eventually lead you to God’s greatest and most precious expression and provision of hope and love, his Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, who suffered for us.
The fires ravaging much of LA County are horrendous. But they do not have the final word. When we are at a loss for words during this dark and anxious time, looking to the Spirit to intercede for us and leaning on our friends can be among the most courageous things we can do. The temptation to isolate and suppress our feelings can be strong and persistent. Please resist that temptation and flee into the embrace of God, whose love burns with passion for his children.
Recovery will come. It will be hard and long, but it will come. While we long for healing and recovery, let us lament and cling to God, our shield, refuge, and ever-present help in trouble.
Renew Church, Citizens LA, and Living Way Church have designated giving funds to support disaster relief efforts. Please consider donating to support those who have been affected by this devastating disaster. For other ways to support, consider the links here and here.
Photo Credit: Jessica Christian