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Scripture regularly recounts ordinary people encountering the greatest hardship of their lives— Noah’s flood, Job’s loss, Paul’s shipwreck. But perhaps no biblical figure better understands disaster than the prophet Jeremiah.
He spent decades urging God’s people to turn away from sin, warning them if they didn’t repent, the Babylonian empire would invade their homeland, destroy their cities and take the Jews into exile (Jer. 25:8).
But the people continued to reject God. And in 597 BC, Babylon conquered Judah, just as Jeremiah prophesied.
Watching the tragic Babylonian victory unfold, Jeremiah mourned the loss of his home saying, “Streams of tears flow from my eyes because my people are destroyed” (Lam. 3:48). Nevertheless, Jeremiah found comfort and hope in the face of disaster by remembering God’s justice, mercy and faithfulness. Jeremiah knew though [God] brings grief, he will show compassion, so great is his unfailing love (Lam. 3:31-32).
Today, God’s people can derive similar comfort from God’s character during times of disaster, uncertainty or crisis. Like Jeremiah, we can vocalize our grief, fear and confusion, while reminding ourselves of God’s goodness and grace.
We might begin by reflecting on the names of God.
In its original Hebrew, the Old Testament uses different titles to refer to the one we call “God,” each capturing a different aspect of his identity, like his power or love. By remembering these names we acknowledge God’s character, which hasn’t changed from the first page of Genesis, through Revelation, to today.
On our worst days, we can cling to a God whose goodness is right there in the name.
1. Jehovah Shammah: The Lord is There
Years after Jeremiah’s lament, God appointed Ezekiel to prophesy to the Jews in Babylonian exile, promising to restore the people to their land and rebuild the temple. God spoke of a rebuilt Jerusalem saying, “The name of the city from that time on will be: The Lord is There” (Ezek. 48:35).
After all the Jews had endured—war, famine, political upheaval—God did not leave them. Throughout the painful process of restoration and rebuilding, he promised to sustain them and be near to them.
Today, Jehovah Shammah is still faithful to his people. Even in our hardest moments the Lord is there.
2. Jehovah Shalom: The Lord is Peace
Throughout Scripture, God’s presence provides peace, especially to those enduring difficulty or hardship.
In Psalm 4, King David describes feeling distressed—some scholars believe he may have written this psalm during a famine—but ultimately finding respite in God. Psalm 4:8 says, I will lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.
In Philippians, Paul encourages believers to do the same and present your requests to God. And the peace of God which transcends all understanding with guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus (Phil. 4:6-7).
3. Jehovah Jireh: The Lord will Provide
In Genesis 22, God tested Abraham, asking him to sacrifice his only son. In faith, Abraham built an altar and raised his knife, but an angel intervened and provided a ram for the sacrifice. In response, Abraham worshiped Jehovah Jireh, the Lord who Provides.
The incident foreshadows God’s greatest provision—the gift of salvation through the sacrifice of his son Jesus. He provided atonement for our failures and forgiveness for our sins (John 3:16).
But Scripture is clear, God provides for our physical needs too.
Jesus said, “Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?” (Matt. 6:26).
For both our spiritual and practical needs, Jehovah Jireh provides.
4. Jehovah Rapha: The Lord who Heals
Psalm 103:3 says, Praise the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits—who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases.
God is the one who can provide true healing—for his individual children, for broken communities and for the entire world. When our hearts hurt, he is able to heal them.
5. Jehovah Tsuri: The Lord is my Rock
When God delivered David from his enemies, David sang, “For who is God besides the Lord? And who is the Rock except our God?” (2 Sam. 22:32).
Just like rock, God is firm and trustworthy, a good foundation for our lives. When circumstances become chaotic or uncertain, he is unmoved.
Jesus said, “Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock” (Matt. 6:26-17).
In times of disaster—and every day—Jesus invites us to cling to the same rock David did—ultimately finding the same hope.
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