Throughout the horrific pummeling of Hurricane Katrina on the U.S. Gulf Coast, some everyday things continued unabated, including the birth of babies. While the circumstances of their births were more challenging than usual, many babies came into the world in the midst of the storm and subsequent floods.

A news report told of one family who had planned to name their daughter Katrina. They were now considering almost every female name but Katrina. That’s understandable. The following day, however, a TV reporter interviewed a family that months ago had decided on a name for their daughter, but they changed their mind after delivery and named her Katrina. They felt no other name was appropriate.

These two families with two newborns went through the same storm and yet viewed it in vastly different ways. Such stark contrasts in perspective were everywhere. The storm damage and slow response were the fault of the President—or was it the fault of the governor or mayor? It was also the fault of the Democrats—or was it that of the Republicans? It was the fault of the people who foolishly stayed behind—or was it that of the government that didn’t properly evacuate them, or the society that allowed them to live in poverty?

While those questions have merit, it is so comforting to be able to see all this through a clearer lens. We don’t know all that God knows, but He has helped us to know some of what He knows. Pastor Gordon Keddie has written a helpful article about what the Bible has to say about tragedies such as this.

We cannot help but be moved by the suffering, regardless of who might have done things differently in advance of the storm and flooding. I’ve been through several floods, and once even fled my home in the middle of the night. I’ve cleaned up after floods, and it’s one of the most difficult and most depressing things I’ve ever done. As I compare the scale of what I’ve been through, though, to the scale of what others are facing now, I’m tempted to despair for them.

It’s good to see that Reformed Presbyterians, along with millions of other believers, are helping storm victims in every way they can. The sense that the “cavalry” is coming to help is energizing and comforting for those who feel hopeless and isolated. That’s especially true when the help is given in Jesus’ name.

Even in times of devastation, the awareness of a sovereign God can bring a peace that others cannot imagine. Our God calls us to “fear not,” to remember that He is with us, to remember that this world is fading away but our eternal life and eternal inheritance are forever. We need to remember that on Earth we are stewards, not owners. And we need to build our earthly homes and lives on solid ground, as much as possible, and be ready for crises that are likely to come. When we err in these things, when we fail, when we sin, we have forgiveness through Christ. And we have fellow believers to gather around us and help us. This is the best kind of emergency preparedness and emergency response the world has ever seen.