GOD OF THIS CITY

Ever since I heard this song at the Passion World Tour that I attended last August 1, 2008 in PhilSports Arena, I’ve been hooked to it. It was sung by Chris Tomlin. This song has rekindled hope in my heart, reminding me that God is still in control, that there’s no reason to fret because there’s still hope. Here’s what the song says:

God of this City

You’re the God of this city

You’re the King of this people

You ‘re the Lord of this nation

You are

You’re the Light in this darkness

You’re the Hope to the hopeless

You’re the Peace to the restless

You are

There is no one like our God

There is no one like our God

Greater things have yet to cone

Greater things are still to be done

In this city

Greater things have yet to come

Greater things are still to be done here

Passion Team leader, Pastor Louie Giglio, relayed the story behind the song God of the City. It was composed by a Christian band from Ireland called Bluetree who was invited to join an event called Pattaya Praise in Thailand . During that event, they had a chance to play in several places – in churches, schools, orphanages, even at a BAR! The group described the way to the bar as the darkest place they have ever been to. They felt that evil was allover the place. The town was small but there were approximately 30,000 prostitutes there.

The people in the bar didn't know English. The band played in the middle of a sinful, lost crowd about Jesus. At one point, the vocalist started singing “greater things” almost prophesying over the city. From that experience, they were able to create a wonderful song "God of this City" which the Passion Team sings at every city they visit during the Passion World Tour.

During the Passion World Tour here in Manila , while flashing photos of our central city on their screen, the whole arena began singing God of this City. For me, it was like prophesying that God has greater things planned for our city, for our nation.

It has been grieving me for years to see our country being brain-drained. Our best workers – best teachers, best doctors, best nurses – they are all leaving the country. I’ve seen families separate, OFWs are abused in other countries, and their children suffer from identity crisis. Husbands have become housebands, and wives have become breadwinners. Prices of almost everything have increased. A large portion of our income goes to transportation alone! Family heads are loosing their wits trying to budget their small income. Crimes and immoralities, corrupt leaders and heartless so-called law implementers are everywhere. The streets have no rules, people have no discipline. Thousands of Filipino children couldn’t afford to go to school. Seeing through the eyes of Filipinos who live below the poverty line, I feel their numbness, as if they have lost all hope and finally came to the conclusion that they were born poor and they will die poor. It was as if they’ve have gotten so used to being poor that they don’t care what happens anymore. 

But singing this song over and over – You’re the God of this city, the King of this people; the Lord of this nation… Greater things have yet to come, greater things are still to come in this city,” it felt like throwing new wood to a dying fire – to keep it burning. This rekindling hope reminded me of a prophesy for the Philippines that says, “Don’t think that I (God) cannot see you Philippines , don’t think that I am looking away, for I see you, you are the apple of My eyes, you are a treasure unto Me…”

It sometimes tiring to think of all this nation is going through. But then, here’s God reminding me of all His promises and what my part is, what our part is – to KEEP ON PRAYING. 

 2 Chronicles 7:14

“If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.