What Destruction Does

There is great destruction and chaos that covered the land. The scriptures talk about how the whole face of the land changed, and how many cities were destroyed in so many different ways. There is a good amount of fear and trauma that people feel after going through such a great destructive experience. In addition to that, the people had to go through quite a period of time where they couldn't even have any light.

I think there are a few different reactions to this kind of experience, one of which is referenced here in the scriptures.

"23 ...and there was great mourning and howling and weeping among all the people continually; yea, great were the groanings of the people, because of the darkness and the great destruction which had come upon them.

24 And in one place they were heard to cry, saying: O that we had repented before this great and terrible day, and then would our brethren have been spared, and they would not have been burned in that great city Zarahemla.

25 And in another place they were heard to cry and mourn, saying: O that we had repented before this great and terrible day, and had not killed and stoned the prophets, and cast them out; then would our ​mothers and our fair daughters, and our children have been spared, and not have been buried up in that great city Moronihah. And thus were the howlings of the people great and terrible." (3 Nephi 8: 23-25)

I think this implies some indication that people actually had a little bit of belief in the prophesies and also some belief that their actions were not right. They felt that if they had been more righteous, these things would not have happened, and all their loved ones would have been spared.

Unfortunately, sometimes bad things happen to good people too. You can't always avoid problems or trials, just by being righteous. In fact, sometimes it is going through those very trials that allows us to become stronger and better. Obviously, the Lord is more willing to support and help us if we trust him and have faith and do what is right, but He also knows how much we need to learn and grow as well.

We can learn and grow from going through trials, such as the destruction these people experienced, but we must be willing to do so, and we must choose to do so. These people, at least through the actions expressed here, it seems, just sat around and complained about what they had gone through, and expressed maybe a little regret for not living more righteously.

I may not live through such great destruction, but I do have my own challenges and trials that I have and will continue to live through. Hopefully I can see the opportunities for growth rather than just complaining about them.