Concerns about the threat of a global recession have once again surfaced. Since the last few years, warning after warning has been issued by economic experts, including international institutions such as the World Bank and IMF. They predict that the world will face serious economic pressures due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the prolonged war between Russia and Ukraine, global geopolitical tensions, the energy crisis, and extreme climate change. Now in 2025, various indicators show that the feared economic shocks have not yet fully passed and could even potentially worsen.

 

For some, this threat is real and worth being aware of. Others still respond with skepticism. But for God's people, deep questions arise: "What does God's word say about these troubled times? How should believers behave? Should we be afraid? Or should we be hopeful?"

 

The attitude of preparing for the worst is not a form of pessimism, but rather a wise action. Being prepared will not hurt. If the economic storm does come, we don't fall into a panic. On the contrary, if it turns out to be less severe than feared, we can continue our lives with peace of mind.

 

Recession is Not New

The Bible is no stranger to difficult economic conditions. Ever since the time of the patriarchs, accounts of famine, crisis and economic suffering have repeatedly appeared. In each of those difficult times, the Bible provides a rich narrative of how God's people came through it — not with panic, but with faith, wisdom, and hope.

 

1. Abraham and the Recession Due to Natural Disasters (Genesis 12:10)

When Abraham had just arrived in the land of Canaan, a severe famine struck the region. Because of the famine, he was forced to move to Egypt to survive. This was a form of recession due to a natural disaster, a long drought that destroyed agriculture and livestock.

 

2. Isaac: Endured and Became Strong (Genesis 26:1)

A similar situation was experienced by Isaac, Abraham's son. Famine struck again. He went to Gerar and lived among the Philistines. In that strange place, Isaac was blessed and became very rich, until the people around him felt threatened.

 

3. Jacob and Joseph: The Global Economic Crisis in Egypt (Genesis 42:5)

The story of Joseph in Egypt is an example of a massive economic crisis that hit a wide region. The famine that occurred in the land of Canaan forced Jacob and his sons to buy grain from Egypt, which at the time was the world's food logistics center. This was the ancient version of the "global recession".

 

4. Naomi and Elimelek: Migration in Crisis (Ruth 1:1-2)

During the time of the judges, a famine forced Naomi's family to move to the land of Moab. Conditions made it impossible for them to survive, so they had to leave their home and start a new life in a foreign land.

 

5. David: Famine due to Political Conflict (2 Samuel 21:1)

In the time of King David, the famine lasted for three years. This time, the cause was not nature, but a blood debt & political and moral conflict due to unresolved sin.

 

6. Elisha: Seven Years of Famine (2 Kings 8:1-2)

Elisha prophesied a seven-year famine, and a woman was advised to move and settle in Philistine territory during the famine. This illustrates the endurance of faith and the ability to act wisely in difficult times.

 

Lessons from the Bible for Today

It is clear, then, that recessions are no stranger to history. In the Bible, recessions can arise due to two main causes: natural disasters (drought, famine, disease) and political disasters (war, oppression, leadership chaos). The two can also exist together ‐ and our situation today is not much different.

 

So what can we learn from this?

1. Awareness of reality and acting wisely: Biblical characters did not deny reality. They responded by moving, strategizing, and opening themselves up to change. This means that as God's people, we too are called to be discerning and prepared with responsibility.
2. Maintain faith and hope: In the midst of difficult times, God's people are not overcome by fear. Instead, in critical situations, faith is tested and hope becomes more evident. Many biblical characters experienced restoration precisely because they kept relying on God.
3. Solidarity and community: Today's world provides many forms of social support from churches, communities and the state. But biblical stories also remind us of the importance of being a family of God that supports, shares, and encourages one another.

 

The Faith that Endures Amidst Dark Clouds

The year 2025 may not be the end of the economic storm. In fact, we could be in the middle of the next wave. But if we look at biblical history, we find that crisis is not the end of the world. Instead, in the midst of recession, many figures of faith found spiritual formation, God's presence, and a path of restoration.