Praise in difficult times holds significant importance in Nigeria, as a nation. characterised by diverse cultures, ethnicities, and religious beliefs. We have a population exceeding 200 million and a rich display of languages, cultures, and traditions. The Nigerian context provides a unique lens through which to examine the role of faith in navigating adversity and difficult situations.
This paper examines how Nigerian Christians draw upon their faith to navigate challenges. The economic hardships brought on by the recent hike in fuel prices and other societal challenges in 2024. Praise is emphasised as a spiritual and communal response to hardship.
This paper aims to explain the transformative power of praise in promoting resilience and hope in difficult times with a complete understanding that God is actively in charge.
Nigeria’s Present Situation
Many Nigerians, particularly those in low middle-income brackets, are now struggling with severe financial hardship as their income is not able to cater to their needs anymore. Hence, a larger population lives in destitution and abject poverty. Below are some of the economic hardships faced by Nigerians.
The Hike in Fuel Prices
The decision to remove fuel subsidies in 2023 was a controversial but arguably necessary policy to reduce government expenditure. However, this decision has come at a high cost to everyday Nigerians.
Fuel prices, once N165 per litre, have risen to N998 per litre in some parts of southwestern Nigeria and 1,030 nairas per litre in some northern states, leading to widespread inflation. Public transportation fares have doubled or even tripled in some parts of the country, making daily travelling a burden for many families.
Small business owners, particularly those who rely on transportation or operate businesses requiring fuel-powered generators due to Nigeria’s irregular power supply, have been hit especially hard. The hike in fuel prices has significantly increased the cost of goods and services, impacting virtually every sector of the economy.
Consequences of the Fuel Hike Prices
The fuel price hike has also contributed to social unrest, with citizens protesting the rising cost of living and demanding government intervention. Despite efforts to cushion the impact through palliative measures such as cash transfers and transportation subsidies, the pressure on ordinary Nigerians remains enormous.
Inflation of Food Prices
One of the most immediate and severe consequences of the fuel price hike has been the increasing prices of food items. In 2024, the cost of foods like rice, beans, and yam has increased dramatically, placing these once-affordable items beyond the reach of many Nigerians.
The cost of transporting food from rural farms to urban markets has risen sharply due to the fuel price increase, with farmers and distributors passing these costs on to consumers.
Insecurity
Also, this can be alluded to the insecurity in certain parts of Nigeria, particularly in the northern agricultural regions. This has further disrupted food production and supply chains, leading to shortages and price inflation. This has resulted in food insecurity for many families, with some households struggling to afford even one meal a day.
The combination of high food prices and stagnant wages has left a significant portion of the population in economic distress, contributing to rising poverty levels. According to reports, the inflation rate in Nigeria reached over 24% by mid-2024, with food inflation surpassing 30%, reflecting the severity of the situation.
Depreciation in Naira
Depreciation of the Naira Compounding Nigeria’s economic woes is the ongoing depreciation of the Naira against major foreign currencies, particularly the U.S. dollar In 2024, the exchange rate for the dollar surpassed N1640, further worsening inflation and increasing the cost of imported goods. Nigeria’s reliance on imports for essential commodities such as food, medicine, and fuel means that any devaluation of the Naira directly impacts the prices of these goods.
High Cost of Imports
The high cost of imports has devastated local businesses that rely on foreign raw materials, driving up production costs and reducing profitability. The devaluation has also worsened the plight of Nigerians who rely on remittances from abroad.
Remittances have historically been a source of financial relief for many families. So, the shrinking value of the Naira means that these funds no longer stretch as a strain on households struggling to cope with rising prices.
High Cost of Livelihood
The cumulative effect has pushed the cost of living in Nigeria to education. The other basic needs have become increasingly unaffordable, especially in urban areas where goods and services are typically higher.
For has increased by as much as 20% in 2024, adding to the financial burdens of those already struggling with inflation. Health services, which are already underfunded, have become more expensive as medical supplies and equipment, most of which are imported, now cost significantly more.
Discontent and Depreciation
The result has been a growing wave of discontent and desperation among Nigerians, many of whom feel abandoned by their government. The increasing cost of livelihood has led to a rise in informal employment as more people take on additional jobs or side businesses to make ends meet.
However, while providing some relief, there are more sustainable solutions to the country’s economic issues than the informal economy. The rising cost of living has also been linked to a spike in crime rates, as individuals resort to desperate measures to survive.
With all these struggles and challenges bedevilling our nation, how can the attitude of Praise be cultivated in such a difficult time as this? The Bible gives explicit expressions, which will be discussed further.
Theological Foundations for Praise
The Bible presents Praise as an essential element of worship, especially in times of trouble. Myles Munroe defines praise as celebrating God as our heart’s true home. He went further to explain praise as commending, glorifying and expressing approval or favourable judgment.
The Book of Psalm about Praise
The Book of Psalms contains examples of individuals who turned to God in despair, seeking solace and strength through Praise. David frequently praises God amid his struggles, declaring, “I will bless the Lord at all times. His praise shall continually be in my mouth” (Psalm 34:1, ESV). This Scripture highlights the importance of consistent Praise and highlights the importance of the biblical call to worship.
The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed ESV), emphasises a profound faith that persists through song of Praise in difficult times rooted in human suffering. This perspective with worship, trusting in God’s principal plan.
The theology, of God is the source of strength and comfort during hardships. Mercy provides a foundation for believers to praise Him, even bleak. Theologically, (God’s omnipresence and gratitude and adoration in challenging Christian consciousness, encouraging believers to struggle are not in vain.
This perspective enhances the lifting of their voices in gratitude and adoration. aligns with the teachings of Romans 8:28, who love God, all things work together for His purpose” (ESV). This Scripture supports the belief that by praising God during trials Munroe postulates the following characteristics of praise.
Praise puts God first, praise flows from friendship with God, praise is a conscious choice, and praise is a willing sacrifice. Munroe’s submission reveals that reverence to God is expressed by the measure of God that is seen rather than the challenges that prevail.
Biblical Emphasis of Praise in Difficult Times Praising God in difficult times marks deep spiritual maturity and defiance against despair and hopelessness. The Bible offers numerous examples of individuals who, despite overwhelming trials, chose to lift their voices in Praise. Expanding on these examples shows how Praise transforms situations and hearts, draws believers closer to God, and often leads to divine intervention.
The Israelites at the Red Sea (Exodus 14-15)
Crossing the Red Sea is one of the most dramatic examples of God’s Deliverance in the Old Testament. In their fear, they doubted God’s promises, but He miraculously parted the sea, allowing them to walk on dry ground.
After witnessing this miraculous escape and the destruction of the Egyptian army, the Israelites responded with a song of Praise. Moses led them in exalting God’s power, saying, “The Lord is my strength and my song He has become my salvation (Exodus 15:2).
This moment of Praise was a response to God’s victory over impossible odds, but it also reinforced the Israelites’ trust in God’s power for future challenges. lt marked a turning point in their journey, teaching them to praise God for His past deeds as a foundation for future faith.
Hannah (I Samuel 1-2)
Hannah’s story beautifully illustrates persistent faith in prolonged suffering. For years, she endured the pain of barrenness, societal shame, and ridicule of her anguish. She turned to God in fervent prayer, and when He answered her by giving her a song of Praise.
Her “Song of Hannah” (I Samuel 2:1-10) profoundly declares God’s sovereignty over her life and all creation. She praises God for the personal blessing and His just and faithful nature, saying, “There is no and by Him, deeds are weighed”(I Samuel 2:2-3). Hannah believed in God’s goodness even Praise reflected a heart that trusted His timing and purposes.
Jehoshaphat (2 Chronicles 20)
King Jehoshaphat provides a remarkable example of victory. Jehoshaphat and the people of Judah were understandably afraid when faced with a massive army. Instead of relying on military might, they sought God in prayer and fasting God responded the battle belonged to Him.
Rather than charging into battle with weapons, Jehoshaphat appointed singers to lead the army, praising God for His enduring love (2 Chronicles 20:21). As they praised, God set ambushes against their enemies, sword. This story shows how Praise invites God to intervene in ways beyond our imagination, especially when we feel powerless.
Jonah (Jonah 2)
Jonah’s story is unique in that his Praise came from the belly of a fish-a place of utter darkness and despair. After running from God’s command to preach inside the fish, Jonah offered a prayer filled with repentance and Praise. He said, “But l, with shouts of, will make good.
I will say, ‘Salvation comes from the he had not yet been delivered. His Praise was and soon after, the fish vomited him onto dry land. come after Deliverance but can be offered amid trial, trusting God is at work even when circumstances are horrible.
Habakkuk (Habakkuk 3:17-19)
The prophet Habakkuk struggled with the suffering and injustice he saw in his nation, wondering why God seemed to tolerate wickedness and allow His people to suffer. Yet, by trust and Praise despite the impending disaster. Read (Habakkuk 3:17-18).
Habakkuk’s Praise depended not on favourable circumstances but on his confidence in God’s character. Even when all visible signs point to failure and scarcity, he rejoices in God’s salvation. This kind of Praise under challenging times reflects the unknowing that He is good regardless of the situation.
Daniel (Daniel 6)
Daniel’s story is a powerful reminder of how Praise sustains faith in the face of persecution. When a decree was issued forbidding prayer to anyone aware of the consequences. He was therefore thrown into a den of lions. The following day, he declared God’s Deliverance, affirming his faith in God’s protection.
Although the Bible does not record a specific song of Praise from Daniel, his unwavering commitment to prayer and trust in persecution demonstrates a heart of continual Praise. His steadfastness led to the king issuing a decree that all should fear and revere Daniel’s God.
The Israelites after the Exile (Ezra 3:10-11)
After seventy years of exile in Babylon, the Israelites returned to the ruins of Jerusalem. Rebuilding the temple was an enormous and challenging task, but they praised God for the opportunity to return to their homeland.
As they laid the foundation of the new temple, they sang, “He is good; His love toward Israel endures forever”(Ezra 3:11). Despite the hardship of starting over in a devastated land, their Praise reflected hope and faith in God’s enduring covenant with His people.
This Praise helped unify the people and renew their commitment to God’s purposes, even as they faced the difficult work of rebuilding their nation.
Mary, the Mother of Jesus (Luke1:46-55)
Mary’s “Magnificat” is a powerful hymn of Praise that she sang after learning she would bear the Messiah. Her situation was filled with uncertainty-being an unwed mother in first-century Jewish society was fraught with stigma and risk.
Yet, her song was filled with joy and gratitude as she praised God for His mercy and for choosing her to fulfil His divine plan. Read Luke 1: 46-47. Mary’s Praise in the face of potential social rejection and personal hardship shows her deep trust in God’s plan and His ability to do great things throughout her life, regardless of her challenges.
Peter and the Apostles (Acts 5:40-41)
After Jesus’ resurrection and ascension, the apostles faced severe persecution for preaching the Gospel. When Peter and the other apostles were flogged for proclaiming Jesus, they didn’t respond with anger or despair Instead, they “rejoiced.
Their Praise in the face of persecution empowered them to continue preaching which was more significant than any sin erring they might endure.
These biblical examples highlight that Praise is a profound declaration of hope, and trust in our circumstances and the greatness of God. It invites us to remind us of God’s past faithfulness and His confidence that He will see us through, no matter the outcome.
Whether in personal distress, communal suffering, or spiritual persecution, Praise affirms God’s sovereignty and goodness, allowing us to rise above the challenges and find strength in His promises. And we must learn reasons why we should praise God in difficult times.
