There are moments when words seem too small.
On August 26, devastating flash floods struck the Bhote Koshi River area of Nepal, taking lives, displacing families and causing extensive destruction to homes, roads and communities.
For those watching from far away, scenes like these can leave us with a difficult question:
Where is God when tragedy strikes?
God Is Our Refuge
“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.” — Psalm 46:1
Psalm 46 does not promise that God’s people will never face disaster. Instead, it reminds us where we can turn when everything around us seems to collapse.
“Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea.” — Psalm 46:2
These words carry special meaning in moments like the tragedy unfolding in Nepal.
The Bible does not ignore suffering. It acknowledges that the earth can shake, waters can roar and life can change in an instant.
But Scripture also gives us a truth that suffering cannot destroy:
God remains our refuge.
God Is Close to the Brokenhearted
For families who have lost someone they love, there may be no words capable of removing their pain.
Faith does not always mean having an explanation for why tragedy happened.
Sometimes faith means trusting that even in our darkest moments, God has not abandoned us.
“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” — Psalm 34:18
God sees every grieving family. He sees those waiting for news of someone who is missing. He sees frightened children, exhausted rescuers and communities wondering how they will rebuild.
And He calls His people to care.
What Can We Do?
We may be thousands of miles away from Nepal, but we are not powerless.
We can pray.
We can mourn with those who mourn.
We can help when opportunities arise.
And we can ask God to strengthen rescuers, comfort grieving families, protect survivors and bring hope to communities facing unimaginable loss.
A Prayer for Nepal
Heavenly Father,
Today we pray for the people of Nepal.
Comfort every family who has lost someone they love. Give strength to those searching for missing relatives and protect the rescuers working in difficult and dangerous conditions.
Provide shelter, food, medicine and help for those who have lost their homes and livelihoods.
Be especially close to the children who are frightened and grieving.
Lord, when the world feels uncertain and everything around us seems to fall apart, remind us that You remain our refuge and strength.
Bring healing to Nepal and hope to every broken heart.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Before You Go
Take a moment today to pray for Nepal.
Remember the families who are grieving, the people who are still missing, the survivors who have lost so much, and everyone working to rescue and care for them.
“Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.” — Romans 12:15
Even when we cannot be physically present, our prayers can cross borders.