The world around us in in chaos. Do you see it? Do you sense it? And does it make you feel like the magnitude of the catastrophes is so far beyond your understanding, let alone ability to affect them, that you want to give up?

The devastation left behind by Hurricane Helene to the SE portion of our country is utter destruction beyond our comprehension. So often described as “biblical proportions.” That sounds like Egyptian plague territory.

What about the “unrest” in the Middle East? Haven’t we described it that way for decades? And yet, now it feels very much like there’s a major battle happening, with an all-out war right around the corner. The landscape left behind after countless bombings is also beyond our comprehension.

Just today (as I’m writing this), a major strike by the dock workers up and down our east coast has been partially resolved, and mostly postponed until next year. But the threat of a daily $4-5 billion impact on our economy loomed large for a while and could have easily wreaked havoc with all areas of commerce. People had even started hoarding basic items, reminiscent of the COVID days.

And while I seldom get too “political” in this blog, none of us can ignore the toxic culture we find ourselves in as the election draws closer and closer. In my nearly 50 years of voting, I have never felt such anger and divisiveness and lack of respect as I see around me today.

Have you read enough? That’s just four examples. It doesn’t take into account whatever crises, big or small, that you’re dealing with in your life or those of your loved ones. That might also be completely overwhelming to you.

Sometimes when I start to feel completely crushed by what I see and experience around me, I’m tempted to give up on the whole mess and just go read a book. (Actually not a bad option short-term!) When the magnitude of the trauma and destruction and plain old nastiness around us becomes overpowering, it’s easy to say, “Why bother doing anything? I’m just one person. What can I do that will make any kind of impact?”

Why go down this road, Lynne?

Granted, this is a pretty bleak picture to begin this blog. And I’m certainly not immune to some feelings of despair. But, as I was chatting with a friend last week, I began to realize that there is an alternative to just giving up. There are things we can do which can affect this miasma of misery around us.

Here are some ideas that might help us all get back on track a bit:

• Want to help the homeless and destitute after Hurricane Helene? Give what you can to a charity you trust that is “feet on the ground” down south. Whether it’s $5 or $5,000, it’s not cliché to say that it all adds up! Give what you can.
• If there’s a different need laid upon your heart, give to that. Maybe it’s rescue animals, or young girls coming out of trafficking, or homeless veterans, or environmental issues close to your heart. Give what you can.
• Don’t engage in toxic discourse with those whose political views are diametrically opposed to yours. That doesn’t mean you can’t have a conversation, but avoid “toxic discourse!” That serves no purpose but to build walls between friends and family. Don’t change your values, but be kind to those who disagree.
• Ask God to open your eyes to the areas he wants you to step into. We can’t be involved in every worthy cause out there. But he can guide you.
• Know your limits. Whether it’s limiting the news, or the time you spend with difficult people, or going for a walk when your stress levels get too high, there are actions we can take to bring the temperature down a bit.
• Listen to uplifting worship music, or theologically sound podcasts.
• Read your Bible.
• Pray!

The last “bullet point” is going to be a few paragraphs because it’s the most powerful thing we can do for any disaster, regardless of how hopeless it seems. And yet, so often we feel like it’s just never enough. How often do we say, “All I can do is pray?” We all do it. We minimize its power, especially when the circumstances seem beyond our comprehension. Guess what? They aren’t beyond God’s.

Let’s use the Hurricane Helene disaster to see how we could pray specifically for those involved. Ask God to:

• Keep all the first responders and rescue personnel safe. Give them success in finding loved ones who are still missing.
• Find a way to get vital supplies to those who are isolated. Use unexpected resources to fly into these areas of utter devastation.
• Empower your people to give emotional and spiritual support to those who are deeply hurting. Let them see the good works you’ve created for them to walk in. (Eph. 2:10)
• Use “ministering spirits” (Heb. 1:14) to bring peace to the suffering. We don’t see this world, but the spiritual realm is real.
• Use the horror of this disaster to cause people to turn to you and find salvation in their darkest days.

There are many more specifics that can be prayed. The point is this. Let God guide not only your actions, but your prayers. It tells us in Romans 8:26 that “we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words.”

Every disaster can be covered with prayers such as these. God hears, and he acts upon the prayers of his people. Yes, our prayers can move mountains because of the One who has the power.

And while you’re in your prayer room or closet, ask him to give you his peace as well.

The prayer of a righteous person

has great power as it is working.

James 5:16