“Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is any one cheerful? Let him sing Psalms. Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let they pray over him, annointing him with oil in the name of the Lord.” James 5:13-14 (NKJV).
People have needs. Not just spiritual need of having personal relationship with Jesus Christ, but physical needs as well. While we live in this world there will be suffering and loss. They are means of our growing faith.
It seems most people know a lot about praying when they have a need. We must remember that James is still addressing believing Christian Jews, and now the whole of Christianity in this letter. James is assuming that all Christians pray. He is not telling us to only pray because we are suffering or find ourselves in a really bad time; we ought to be praying regularly, or more importantly, Paul said, “Pray without ceasing” (1 Thessalonians 5:17). James simply means that when you are suffering seek God’s comfort, encouragement, power, and strength through prayer.
This suffering is probably referring to suffering for the cause of Christ. Persecution coming to a believer or believers will cause suffering. Suffering pain from beatings. Suffering from loss of property such as home or business. Suffering from the loss of a family member such as a child or spouse who was killed by the persecutors were viciously trying to get the suffering one to turn. In times such as these the sufferer needs prayer.
There are times, even in the midst of suffering that there is cheerfulness. When we are cheerful we can sing praises to our God and Father, the Lord Jesus Christ. The best place to look for those songs to sing is in the Bible’s Hymn book called the Psalms. You may not have a tune in mind, but one will come as you read those words of asking, seeking and knocking. Words which inspire courage, boldness, and strength. Words which call the hearer; the singer to the very throne of God.
It is good to be cheerful. However, not everyone can be cheerful every day, or every moment of every day. Cheerfulness can break through the sad of a day when we go to the Bible, the Psalms, and begin singing. Many a time you can begin to sing a good song of praise to God, even when you don’t feel like singing, and cheerfulness will come.
Even in times of cheer we still need to pray. Be cheerful and continue praying. God will give you strength in those times of suffering.
Walk With God Today.
-Tim A. Blankenship
Filed under: BIBLE STUDIES, Devotion, Discipleship, James, Theo/Doc | Tagged: Bible Study, Christianity, Devotion, Discipleship, Family, James, Life, Life issues, Praise, Prayer, Religion
