Hills and valleys mark the trailways of faith. While we are exhorted by scripture to rejoice always in God, Jesus also taught that we shall experience trials and tribulations in this life by which the Christian is not immune (Jn 16:33). Additionally, suffering is not always caused by persecution for our proclamation and witness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Often we endure other miseries related to the fallness of this creation that manifest itself in other physical, mental and emotional ways. Under the weight of such burdens, we all can find it very hard to be joyful. To reach the place of rejoicing seems to be a distant land we cannot reach. However, it is in what David calls, “The valley of the shadow of death,” (Ps 23:4) we must turn to God. This is essentially what James urges us to do in these seasons (moments) of life, thus, “Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray…” In the midst of our anguish, let us approach the throne of grace to get what we need from our Author and Finisher of our faith. We go to God, because we have confidence he will always help us, “…casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you” (1 Pt 5:7).
James provides the secret to prayerfully and patiently endure adversity. He continues, “…is anyone cheerful? Let him sing praise.” In other words, we magnify the glory of God through our pain! We pray in a way the reflects on the goodness of God. Gratitude and thanksgiving changes our whole disposition amid life storms:
- It refocuses us on God.
- It lifts up our spirit from the quicksand of despair.
Remember Job who lost all his possessions, children and health in a season of adversity. Even in the midst of his suffering, he praises God, “For I know that my Redeemer lives, and at the last he will stand upon the earth. (26) And after my skin has been thus destroyed, yet in my flesh I shall see God” (Job 19:25-26). The prophet Jeremiah who witnessed the destruction of Jerusalem recaptures his joy in God amid his own anguish of soul, “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; (23) they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness” (Lam 3:22-23). Let us not forget Apostle Paul and Silas who was wrongful beaten and imprisoned for preaching the Gospel in Philippi. They were was heard by the inmates signing hymns unto God in the midnight hour (Act 16:25).
Here is the encouragement beloved: Praise God not only on the mountaintops of victorious faith, but also in the valley in persevering faith. Having joy in God is not based on our circumstances, but on who God is. Pray and praise God through all things without ceasing and we shall experience a joy that preserves and endures us through the pains of life.
Blessings,
Dr. Jason S. Price, Th.D.
www.springoflivingwaters.com