Typhoon Ondoy, the ongoing political turmoil, the economic crunch that dragged the confidence of 85 million Filipinos today and the seemingly uncertain future ahead of us–these all sum up 2009 for the Philippines in general.

Tons of bad news if you may say so.

Yes, they all were bad news that a mere mention again would bring “nightmares” or unpleasant memories for most of us.

However, in the midst of all these uncertainties and bad news, the Bible has something to say to bring life and sustenance to our faith.

“Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good. His love endures forever.” (Psalm 136:1)

Circumstances may often make us grumble and complain but the truth of the matter is, God is good, and His love endures forever.

Seasons may change and circumstances may change, but God remains the same. He will never change. He is the same God who is good, merciful, full of grace and always willing to fulfill His plans of prospering us and not harming us, giving us hope and a future.

The fact of the matter is, there will always be trouble–trouble in your family, in your school/ academics, in your office/ business or in your faith.

But the truth of the matter is, God is good, and His love endures forever.

When my wife and I got involved in the relief operations in the aftermath of Typhoon Ondoy last September, I was reminded once more how blessed we were compared to the ones who completely lost their homes, their livelihood and every other valuable thing they have.

Have you ever wondered how did they celebrate Christmas this season?

While most of us probably are jumping from one party after the other every other day this December, these people most probably are wondering where they could start all over and face 2010 with renewed hope.

I was really encouraged by the attitude of Ava’s sister during the Typhoon Ondoy tragedy.

Though the massive flooding reached the second level of their three-story house in Marikina City, she and her husband still managed to offer help to their surrounding neighbors, rescuing drowning kids at the height of the heavy downpour and flood.

They also helped clean up the thick mud that covered their subdivision a day after the flood receded.

Jesus did say that in this world, we will have trouble, but he ended his statement in John 16:33 by saying: “…But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

Maybe you’ll face 2010 with the same old problems you have in your family, your career, your academics and your relationships with other people, but we can find security from God because He is good and His love endures forever.