Seeking God's Guidance Amid National Disaster: Lessons from Judges 1:1-2

In times of national crisis—be it devastating hurricanes ravaging coastlines, economic turmoil shaking the foundations of society, or pandemics that bring a nation to its knees—we often feel lost, much like the Israelites after the death of their great leader Joshua. The book of Judges opens with a powerful scene: "After the death of Joshua, the Israelites asked the Lord, 'Who of us is to go up first to fight against the Canaanites?' The Lord answered, 'Judah shall go up; I have given the land into their hands'" (Judges 1:1-2). This moment, rooted in Israel's conquest of the Promised Land, teaches us a timeless truth: when disaster strikes, our first response must be to inquire of the Lord.

Imagine our nation facing a catastrophic event, such as the recent floods that have displaced thousands or a financial collapse echoing the warnings in Scripture about trusting in riches rather than God (1 Timothy 6:17). In such chaos, human efforts—government aid, emergency protocols, or community rallies—fall short without divine direction. The Israelites didn't charge ahead with their own plans; they humbled themselves and sought God's will. This echoes 2 Chronicles 7:14: "If my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and heal their land." National disasters are not merely natural phenomena; they can be calls to repentance, opportunities for the church to lead like the tribe of Judah.

Judah's selection was no accident. As prophesied in Genesis 49:10, the scepter would not depart from Judah, pointing forward to Jesus Christ, the Lion of Judah (Revelation 5:5). In our disasters, we too must look to Christ as our ultimate leader. Psalm 46:1 declares, "God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble." Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea (Psalm 46:2). When calamity hits, let us gather in prayer, not panic—fasting as in Joel 2:12-13, where God calls His people to return to Him with all their hearts, rending their hearts and not their garments.

Yet, Scripture warns of the consequences of ignoring this call. In Judges, Israel's failure to fully obey led to cycles of oppression (Judges 2:11-15). Today, if we as a nation turn to idolatry—worshiping science, politics, or self-reliance over the Sovereign Lord—we invite further judgment. But there is hope! James 1:5 promises wisdom to those who ask, and Romans 8:31 assures us, "If God is for us, who can be against us?" As fundamental believers, we must stand firm, proclaiming the Gospel amid the rubble, leading our communities to seek God's face.

In conclusion, confronting national disaster demands more than resilience; it requires revival. Let us, like the ancient Israelites, inquire of the Lord first. Turn to Him in prayer, repent, and trust His promise of victory. For in Christ, even the darkest storm gives way to eternal light.


DMMC 10-3-25

Location: Peru, IN 46970, USA

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