In the absence of a clear prophetic word, it would be nothing short of theological malpractice to claim that a plague, a tornado, or an earthquake is sent as a direct punishment from God for any particular sin. Moreover, we can’t say that such disasters are signals of Christ’s imminent coming – after all, Jesus Himself claimed that wars, earthquakes, and famines would happen throughout human history (Mark 13:7-8), and the last 2000 years have proven Him to be right.

But Psalm 106 does show us that God has, in the past, used such catastrophes to draw attention to His people’s sin, and to draw them back to Himself. On one occasion, the people clamored for meat to eat, even though God was providing miraculous bread from heaven for them. And so God gave them what they wanted – He sent flocks of quail to cover the camp, but also sent sickness along with them (Psalm 106:13-15; Numbers 11:1-9, 31-34). Another time, God sent a plague on the people because they engaged in worship of false gods (Psalm 106:28-29; Numbers 25:1-9).

And so, whenever difficult times come our way, it’s not wrong to let such hardship prompt us to some self-examination. Are we truly thankful for the blessings God has given us, or in our ingratitude do we crave more and more? Are we truly trusting in God to protect us and to provide for us, or have we starting looking to other things, people, or institutions to save us? In our busyness, in our distraction, in our discouragement or in our despair have we forgotten God, the One Who has saved all who trust in Christ from our sins (Psalm 106:21)?

Well, the good news is that the God Who brings difficulties into our lives to illuminate our sin and refocus our attention also hears our cries in our distress (Psalm 106:44). He remembers the covenant promises He has made through His Son, the One Who died for us (Psalm 106:45). And because Jesus rose from the dead, we can be sure that God will keep His promises to forgive us and to cleanse us and to draw us ever nearer to Him, no matter what may happen to us in this life.

Could there be any better reason to turn from our sins and turn to Him? Could we have any greater reason to give Him thanks and praise (Psalm 106:47)?

Psalm 106:40-48 (NASB)

40 Therefore the anger of the LORD was kindled against His people, And He abhorred His inheritance.
41 Then He gave them into the hand of the nations; And those who hated them ruled over them.
42 Their enemies also oppressed them, And they were subdued under their power.
43 Many times He would deliver them; They, however, were rebellious in their counsel, And so sank down in their iniquity.
44 Nevertheless He looked upon their distress, When He heard their cry;
45 And He remembered His covenant for their sake, And relented according to the greatness of His lovingkindness.
46 He also made them objects of compassion In the presence of all their captors.
47 Save us, O LORD our God, And gather us from among the nations, To give thanks to Thy holy name, And glory in Thy praise.
48 Blessed be the LORD, the God of Israel, From everlasting even to everlasting. And let all the people say, “Amen.” Praise the LORD!