This week our neighbours to the north go to the polls. Even as Singapore continues to talk about leadership succession and new policies to build up our society, let's not also forget about the peace and stability of our neighbours and our region. 

There were lots of surprising events in world news this week. North and South Korean leaders met and spoke of peace between the 2 nations, and the North has also spoke of plans to close nuclear sites. In the US, a 40 year manhunt for a serial killer seemed to finally come to a close. We thank God for these tiny respites of peace and justice in a world that so desperately needs it, but we are reminded that this world is still so broken, and still groaning and waiting for a complete and full redemption.

This week, we are led to think about political systems and peace. Global leaders continue to meet and discuss the situation in North Korea. At the same time, our neighbours up north are planning an upcoming election. In Singapore, our government is planning a round of Cabinet reshuffle, and continue to look into means to address social inequity. As Christians living in this world, how can we also pray for it while remembering that this place is not our home? 

This week, we read of attacks on the chemical stores in Syria. There are people whose lives have been and continue to be affected by the ongoing strife in this nation. At the same time, Facebook continues to be in hot soup about their way of handling the data of their users. Back home, we read of the potential renewing of leaders of our nation. How can we deal with these issues as Christians? 

Dear Christian, do you believe that God is in control over all parts of the world, including trade tariffs, cybersecurity and even local elections? 

This week we are once again reminded of the need to pray for leaders all over the world. From Spain to New Zealand and even on our shores, good leaders who are wise enough to make good policies are important not only to ensure peace, but also for flourishing.

In Jer 29:7, God told the nation of Israel in exile to "seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the Lord on its behalf". God intended for His people to live as citizens of a different kingdom but also as people that are rooted in and aware of the needs of their present times. As we read of the needs in our world, from cyber security breaches, to gun controls, to the sudden threats of accidents and fires, we realise that we too, live in a fallen world that is in need of God. 

The conflict in Syria has escalated this week, leaving many in that nation with their lives disrupted or destroyed. At the same time, Papua New Guinea is still reeling from an earthquake that took place at the end of Feb. Our hearts are heavy as we read these news. In local news, we are reminded to also pray for those that might be suffering quietly in our communities -- those who struggle with dementia. 

This week, we read of political uncertainty in major nations and the threat of trade wars. But Ps 33:10-11 reminds us that though the nations seems to be in control, God can bring the counsel of the nations to nothing, but His counsel stands forever. In Singapore too, the listeria fear in rockmelons also remind us not to take the provision of food for granted! 

As we live in a world that is still filled with wars or the potential for wars, our hearts are burdened and heavy. But we are also reminded that God is also at work and there are those in our midst that are still standing up for the downtrodden, outcast and advancing the rights of men and women in areas where their rights are restricted. 

Singaporeans received news of this year's Budget this week. It was a reminder of the need to have good governance and leaders that are wise enough to rule now, but also plan for the future. Yet, this is not the case in many parts of the world. Events of this week remind us that it is also important to pray for Christians to pray for our government and also to be in government to help enact good laws. 

We thank God for a CNY weekend which comes as a much-needed and welcomed break for many. But this weekend can and is also a good time for us to pray and bring our world to God. This week we read of a world where the threat of war and shootings is a reality for many. In Singapore, we just commemorated Total Defence Day, another reminder that the peace and comfort we enjoy now cannot be taken for granted. And ultimately, let us remember that God has placed each one of us where we are in this time "that (we) should seek God" (Acts 17:26-27).