Disaster Preparedness

On Labor Day I sit down to eat lunch and watch the latest news on the rescue efforts of the victims of Hurricane Katrina. I can’t believe so many people stayed behind and now have to be rescued. After watching the news a few minutes I glance through the Sunday paper I haven’t read yet since we were traveling over the weekend. There’s an insert that grabs my attention concerning how to be prepared in case of an emergency or disaster. It explains several different kits we should have on hand; it points out that we need to plan an escape route for our home and another in case we have to leave the city or state; it gives instructions in case of a bio-terrorism attack-- plus many other suggestions.

I finish the flyer then pick up a Reader’s Digest (bought recently at a garage sale) from the magazine rack. It opens to an article on bio-terrorism stating that it is very possible that we can have an attack in the USA within five to ten years. I look at the date on the cover and it is 1999. Six years have already passed since this article was written!

Well, all this information is disturbing. I realize that a disaster can happen, and I am not prepared. It’s time to pick up my Bible and find something comforting, for that I always turn to Psalms. I open it in the general vicinity, and my eyes fall on these verses: Psalm 32:7and 8, “Thou art my hiding place; thou shalt preserve me from trouble; thou shalt compass me about with songs of deliverance. Selah. I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye.”

This is such a relief and a weight off my mind. God says that He will preserve me from trouble, and He will instruct me in the way and where I should go if there is a disaster. We should not depend on government agencies to rescue us. God is the only one that made these promises to His children.

It’s a good thing to have emergency kits handy and plans for an escape route, then if a disaster happens in your area, heed the instructions of emergency personnel. But above all, rely on God to give you direction, protect you and provide for you. This is the best way to be prepared.