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IN SICKNESS AND IN HEALTH
MONDAY, DECEMBER 26
James 5:13

Psalm 116:2-5

 

“…therefore will I call upon him

as long as I live.”

 

IN SICKNESS AND IN HEALTH
 
The Apostle now turns to the fundamental part of man’s life. The day-to-day experiences of man must all be for the glory of God. Sickness and health are part of man’s daily existence. The sick must pray, and those who are well must praise! In all things, we must acknowledge God.
 
Let him pray: James’ pastoral care is for the weary and suffering believers. They are those who are suffering hardships in life. The word “afflicted” (James 5:13) refers to those who are in trouble or afflictions. They are enduring hardships in life. The idea of enduring describes their persistence in doing what they should do despite suffering. They remain firm. As an antidote to their despair, James urges them to pray. As noted above, prayer is essential to enduring affliction. As the Psalmist cries, “The sorrows of death compassed me, and the pains of hell gat hold upon me: I found trouble and sorrow. Then called I upon the name of the LORD; O LORD, I beseech thee, deliver my soul. Gracious is the LORD, and righteous; yea, our God is merciful” (Ps 116:3-5).
 
Let him sing: Those who are well and cheerful, let them sing praises to the Lord. To be merry, men must be encouraged. The Apostle sets them to sing psalms in opposition to profane and unbridled joy, where they glory in themselves and the world. Thus, they must express their joy led by the understanding that their prosperity is from God. Read what the psalmist says in Psalm 105:1-3.
 
Prayer and praise should be the constant posture of believers as they worship God. When afflicted, He alone is the source of healing. When merry, He alone is the strength and health. Therefore, there is no time for believers to neglect their constant communion with God. There is no single second that God has let you go out of His reign. Does He not deserve your unceasing pursuit? Dear reader, whether in sickness or in health, let us come before God in prayer and praise! We must give glory to Him in everything.
 
THOUGHT: Do I seek my Lord always?
PRAYER: Father, create in me that hunger and thirst to seek after Thee, and to behold Thee every moment of my life.

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