JANUARY 11, 2008



The news continue about how we're possibly looking into the valley of a recession in the very close future. Oh no-- like a recession has never happened before. A recession, for all ye who don't know, is a part of a so-called "business cycle". Think of a wave. Growth happens when the wave is moving upwards. A recession happens when the wave is moving downwards. It happens quite frequently-- you guys were probably on the earth when the last recession happened.

But there's the part of human nature that does not like it when recessions come. Sure, unemployment spikes, families need to cut spending, etc. However, the common denominator between all that is the idea of uncertainty. Humankind is very risk averse! We like it when we can predict things accurately. Thus, mathematical modeling is part of almost every social scientific research. However, when things don't work out the way we want, that's when worries spike. Even Christians aren't immune. Many a time, we pray and guess what we pray about? "Lord, may this uncertainty go away!" Indeed, praying with our heart that we will place our lives at His hands is like landing on Mars-- it takes lots of guts.

How now should Christians deal with a recession? Easy peasy-- simply commit your life unto the Lord! It's just as easy to respond to me, "Easier said than done." We Christians need to learn the art of following the Lord and responding to Him. It's so easy to trust in our lifestyle. However, when God throws a curve ball, the batter (us) needs to change stances so he/she can hit the ball appropriately.

So a recession is coming. What now? Simple-- trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not unto your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.