Katrina Aftermath

"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you." John 14:27

Doctors are reporting that people in New Orleans are still feeling stress and depression stemming from hurricane Katrina. They feel that this is killing some people and it is why the death rate is up 25%.

There certainly is a lot of stress in recovering from something as massive as that hurricane. Many have taken advantage of the storm victims. Repairs that have been promised have not been done. Properties have been bought out and reasonable housing is no longer readily available. Those who had money bought the property and have greatly inflated the price so it is no longer affordable for the lower income resident.

New Orleans had many problems before the hurricane hit. The rates of both poverty and crime were very high. A large number of the population practiced the occult. Certain parts were known for and praised for drunkenness, sexual immorality, lust, and many other behaviors regarded as sinful in the Bible. A segment of New Orleans was, and still is, proud of that reputation.

I can't help but wonder if a large percentage of those who are in depression and have no hope are also those who do not know the Lord, especially those who have rejected Him in favor of things like the occult, alcoholism and sexual immorality. For them there would be no good news in Christ. There is no supportive Christian community to turn to. They will not turn to the Lord who can give them comfort and peace. They have only fear, stress and an increase in the possibility of mental illness. The Bible says the devil comes to kill and destroy and that's what's happening it appears.

Christians can also have troubles and depression and could be overcome by it (particularly if they have always suffered from clinical depression or other mental illnesses), but they also have a hope that others cannot have. They have access to the support of a Christian community to encourage and help them. While it sounds like nonsense to unbelievers, turning to the Lord gives believers internal peace and comfort to deal with whatever comes their way.

The people of New Orleans need our prayers. There are way too many lost and hurting people. It doesn't matter what the government does to help them. The fix will only be temporary. Fear and depression are often the result of chosen lifestyles, so they will not go away for the lost. The peace of Christ only comes with salvation.