Thursday, August 4, 2011

In trials? Pray. Experiencing blessings? Sing.


This last Tuesday night we finished our study through the book of James. Tuesday nights have become my favorite time of the week. We all meet in the school parking lot and carpool over to a home where we get to have a home-cooked meal, meet new people, spend time in singing to the Lord, hear from the Word, and break up in groups to pray for one another.

"Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing praise." James 5:13

This verse shows two circumstances of life: hard circumstances, good circumstances. This verse takes both and points us back to the Lord.
Hard times? Pray. James exhorts us to pray because he knows that in prayer we take our focus of current circumstances and shift our thoughts to the truth of God. Isn't that the truth? Trials can rob our eyes of seeing the goodness of the Lord and place them on the current thing. Praying refocuses us to truth.
Things going well? Sing. Why is James exhorting us to sing? I never caught this before- James tells us to sing because when things are going well in our lives, we may start to think we have things in control and lose focus on God. Sing to the Lord because in this you will recognize Him in it.

Whatever the season... remember Him

I was encouraged by this closing passage from James. I hope this blesses you as well! :)

2 comments:

ChristyJunod said...

This is so encouraging:)! What wonderful truths! It reminds me of the words from Dessert song, "All of my life in every season, you are still God, I have a reason to sing, I have reason to worship":) Weather in a beautiful, sunny season or dry and difficult season, God is our rock and unfailing love and if our eyes are turned to him, we will not be shaken:) yay! Thanks, Jess!!

Jessica said...

So true!! Learning the truths practically in this! Love that song! Love you! :)