We have seen in the past few weeks news about the downward trend in our economy. The value of the Philippine Peso has hit the 54-per-dollar mark, which is the weakest in recent years. Meanwhile, the prices of fuel have continued to rise. Since January, the increase per liter is a total of PHP 41.15 for diesel, PHP 28.70 for gasoline, and PHP 37.95 for kerosene. Because of the oil price hikes, the Jeepney fare has also increased by 1 peso. However, some Jeepney operators and drivers have decided to halt their services because the cost of diesel fuel is too high. Commuters are now suffering with limited transportation options.

Stories like this get mixed emotions from the public, especially when we have the tendency to dwell on the facts or look solely to our government officials for solutions to all our nation’s problems. We may ask ourselves, “Is there still hope for the nation?” “Will we be able to recover from our economy’s downfall?” While we know that facts are reliable, there is also the truth that changes our perspective and our lens over the matters that concern us.

Our Nation in God’s Hands

In times of uncertainty and adversity, we can still trust God’s hand and providence in our country. We can be rest assured that God is working behind the scenes despite the hiccups in the economy, threats of rising cases of COVID, and logistical concerns responding to recent natural disasters our nation is facing. 

The truth is, our nation is in God’s hands. He is in control despite the troubles manifesting in our nation. In times like this, it is good to remember that just as God has been faithful in the past, He will also be faithful in the present and the future. God can intervene in seasons of lack and dryness.

Believe for Provision and Restoration

In Scripture, we see that when there is spiritual dryness, it is a reminder to go back to God, to seek and trust Him. When the Israelites were taken captive by the Babylonians, and eventually were restored and redeemed, God made a promise to them in Jeremiah 29:13, “You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.”

In the same way, in times of trouble, challenges, and lack, we can still experience restoration, as we turn to God. The book of Zechariah narrates visions of the rebuilding of Jerusalem, the gathering of the Israelites, and their victory over their enemies. In Zechariah 1:3, the Lord spoke to Zechariah and said, “Therefore say to them, ‘Thus says the Lord of hosts, “Return to Me,” declares the Lord of hosts, “that I may return to you,” says the Lord of hosts.’”

As we pray today, let us be reminded to turn to God, fix our eyes on Jesus who is the provider of all good things, and continue to find peace in Him even in the midst of our challenges and troubles.

PRAYER POINTS

1. Pray for our nation’s economic stability, that we will not just survive but thrive in this season of economic turmoil. Pray for all elected leaders, that God would grant them wisdom to govern and address challenges of our nation. 
2. Pray for every affected citizen of our nation, that we may experience God’s faithfulness and miraculous provision as we find ways to make ends meet. Pray against the spirit of fear and worry and pray for complete trust and full dependence on God in this time of economic crisis. 
3. Pray for the church to be blessed so that we can be a blessing to those who are in need, and to set an example in trusting God, not cowering in fear. 

To learn more about the current situation in our nation, you can read the resources in the links below.

• Manila Standard article on how Pinoys must brace for global recession
• Inquirer article about the depreciation of the Philippine peso
• Philippine Star article about the rising fuel prices
• GMA News article on fuel price hike pushes costs past P90 per liter in some provinces
• Inquirer article on the Jeepney fare hike as a result of high fuel prices
• Inquirer article on suffering commuters, higher fare, fewer trips
• CNN article about the peak of COVID cases in some parts of Manila