Introduction
Japan is a country often struck by earthquakes, typhoons and heavy rain. Some people lose their homes, their work or someone they love, others spend anxious nights in an evacuation center, and still others suffer from far away. This page does not explain the causes of a disaster and does not judge anyone; it simply places a few words from the Bible beside those in pain. These 20 verses, quoted from the World English Bible, are grouped into four themes: God our refuge, peace in the midst of fear, words that accompany tears, and hope for rebuilding. You do not have to read everything; stop at whatever touches you.
God, Our Refuge
1. Psalm 46:1
"God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble."
God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble, sings the psalm. Right after a disaster, when the ground seems to have given way, this verse says that God is not far away but very near. You do not have to find answers at once. Simply receive his nearness. Read all of Psalm 46.
2. Psalm 46:2-3
"Therefore we won’t be afraid, though the earth changes, though the mountains are shaken into the heart of the seas; though its waters roar and are troubled, though the mountains tremble with their swelling."
Therefore we won't be afraid, though the earth changes, the psalmist confesses. For someone who has felt the ground shake, these words are not light. Being afraid is natural, and there is nothing to be ashamed of. Yet this psalm shows that there is a place where we can stand in God. Read all of Psalm 46.
3. Psalm 62:8
"Trust in him at all times, you people. Pour out your heart before him. God is a refuge for us."
Trust in him at all times, pour out your heart before him; God is a refuge for us. Pouring out your heart does not mean fine sentences; it means turning your tears, anger and fear toward God. Even a prayer with no shape, a simple sigh, God hears. Read all of Psalm 62.
4. Nahum 1:7
"Yahweh is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; and he knows those who take refuge in him."
Yahweh is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble, and he knows those who take refuge in him, says Nahum. A stronghold is a fortress that protects from danger. To someone spending sleepless nights in an evacuation center, this verse says that God knows them. May it reach them. Read all of Nahum 1.
5. Psalm 9:9
"Yahweh will also be a high tower for the oppressed; a high tower in times of trouble."
Yahweh will be a high tower for the oppressed, a high tower in times of trouble, sings the psalmist. A disaster suddenly puts people in a vulnerable position, and it is nobody's fault. God stands on the side of the weak. Asking for help is not weakness: let yourself be supported by those around you and by God. Read all of Psalm 9.
Peace in the Midst of Fear
6. Isaiah 43:2
"When you pass through the waters, I will be with you, and through the rivers, they will not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned, and flame will not scorch you."
When you pass through the waters, I will be with you, and the rivers will not overflow you, says God. For someone who has lived through heavy rain or a tsunami, these words are heavy. This promise does not mean that we escape disasters, but that God is present in the midst of everything. Receive it that way. Read all of Isaiah 43.
7. Psalm 34:18
"Yahweh is near to those who have a broken heart, and saves those who have a crushed spirit."
Yahweh is near to those who have a broken heart, and saves those who have a crushed spirit, says the psalm. Some days sorrow makes prayer impossible. Yet God draws near to exactly such people. You do not have to wait until you feel better to pray; you can stay near him with a broken heart. Read all of Psalm 34.
8. Psalm 27:5
"For in the day of trouble, he will keep me secretly in his pavilion. In the secret place of his tabernacle, he will hide me. He will lift me up on a rock."
In the day of trouble he will keep me secretly in his pavilion and lift me up on a rock, sings the psalmist. In an evacuation center or in temporary housing, there is a safe place within God's protection. At night, if you fear an aftershock, say this verse aloud. Read all of Psalm 27.
9. 2 Thessalonians 3:16
"Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times in all ways. The Lord be with you all."
May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times in all ways, Paul prays. Peace does not arrive once everything is in order; it is given at all times. In sleepless nights and days with no clear view ahead, make this prayer your own. Read all of 2 Thessalonians 3.
10. Psalm 112:7
"He will not be afraid of evil news. His heart is steadfast, trusting in Yahweh."
He will not be afraid of evil news; his heart is steadfast, trusting in Yahweh, says the psalm. After a disaster, bad news can seem to follow bad news. This verse does not say you must not be afraid; it invites you to set your heart again on God in the middle of fear. Step away from the news for a while to pray. Read all of Psalm 112.
Words That Accompany Tears
11. Psalm 13:1-2
"How long, Yahweh? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me? How long shall I take counsel in my soul, having sorrow in my heart every day? How long shall my enemy triumph over me?"
How long, Yahweh? Will you forget me forever? David cries out. The Bible keeps many prayers of complaint. Faith does not mean hiding your pain. Asking God why, and how long, is also prayer. Even without an answer, he does not push away the one who keeps questioning. Read all of Psalm 13.
12. Psalm 56:8
"You count my wanderings. You put my tears into your container. Aren’t they in your book?"
You count my wanderings; you put my tears into your container. God does not lose a single one of your tears. This psalm holds the quiet confidence that they are not in vain. Weeping aloud, even at night when no one hears you, is also a prayer you can offer to God. Read all of Psalm 56.
13. Psalm 42:11
"Why are you in despair, my soul? Why are you disturbed within me? Hope in God! For I shall still praise him, the saving help of my countenance, and my God."
Why are you in despair, my soul? Hope in God, says the psalmist, speaking to his own soul. Do not blame yourself for being downcast; speak to your soul gently. He believes that one day he will praise God again, even though he cannot now. Do not force that day; wait for it. Read all of Psalm 42.
14. Matthew 5:4
"Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted."
Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted, Jesus said. There is no need to turn sadness into something positive at all costs; God's comfort arrives in the sadness itself. And those who stand around, do not rush words of encouragement; begin by being there. Read all of Matthew 5.
15. Romans 12:15
"Rejoice with those who rejoice. Weep with those who weep."
Rejoice with those who rejoice. Weep with those who weep, Paul advises. This is a word for those who surround people affected by a disaster. Even without finding the right words, weeping together or being silent together is a great support. Instead of explaining causes, listen and accompany. Read all of Romans 12.
Hope and Rebuilding
16. Lamentations 3:22-23
"It is because of Yahweh’s loving kindnesses that we are not consumed, because his compassion doesn’t fail. They are new every morning. Great is your faithfulness."
It is because of Yahweh's loving kindnesses that we are not consumed; his compassion doesn't fail; they are new every morning, sings Lamentations. This book was written in mourning for a destroyed city. That is why this word of hope, spoken in the midst of grief, resonates so deeply. Each morning his compassion is new. Read all of Lamentations 3.
17. Isaiah 61:4
"They will rebuild the old ruins. They will raise up the former devastated places. They will repair the ruined cities that have been devastated for many generations."
They will rebuild the old ruins and repair the ruined cities, announces the prophet. Nobody rebuilds alone; it takes time, hands and money. Yet the Bible says God renews what is broken. Go forward without hurrying, one step at a time, together with the people of your neighborhood and your church. Read all of Isaiah 61.
18. Galatians 6:2
"Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ."
Bear one another's burdens, Paul urges. After a disaster, many people share the weight through volunteering and aid. If you are affected, do not hesitate to receive. If you are helping, do it without exhausting yourself, in a way you can sustain. A shared burden grows lighter. Read all of Galatians 6.
19. 2 Corinthians 1:3-4
"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort; who comforts us in all our affliction, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, through the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God."
God comforts us in all our affliction, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, writes Paul. Comfort received becomes one day the strength to comfort someone else. For now you may simply receive. God sees that one day what you have lived through may support someone. Read all of 2 Corinthians 1.
20. Romans 15:13
"Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope, in the power of the Holy Spirit."
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace, that you may abound in hope, Paul prays. Hope is not manufactured by your own strength; God gives it. Even if you cannot see it today, share this prayer with others. Hope grows little by little when we pray together. Read all of Romans 15.
Further reading
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Bible verses can I read after a disaster?
Psalm 46:1, "God is our refuge and strength," and Psalm 34:18, which says Yahweh is near to the brokenhearted, are often read. Do not try to feel better at any cost; read slowly whatever touches you.
Is a disaster God's judgment?
This page does not explain the causes or meaning of a disaster. The Bible says God is near to those who suffer. Do not blame people affected or look for reasons; accompany them by listening.
How can I support someone affected by a disaster?
Do not rush to say words of encouragement; first stay beside them and listen. As in Romans 12:15, begin by weeping with those who weep. If needed, point them to the city office, a specialist service or your church's help.