Digging Deeper James 5:13 "Points to Ponder"

"Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing psalms." ~James5:13 (NKJV)

In the midst of writing Monday's "Digging Deeper" I became acutely aware of a hunger within me for more of God. More of Him in the pray and praise, which translates into more of Him by feasting on His Word.

One of the things I gleaned from the commentary on this verse was the fact that early Christians were used to singing right out of Scripture. Many think that means praying "the Psalms of David":

"Let that be as it will, this however we are sure of, that the singing of psalms is a gospel ordinance, and that our joy should be holy joy, consecrated to God. Singing is so directed to here as to show that, if any be in circumstances of mirth and prosperity, he should turn his mirth, though alone, and by himself, in this channel. Holy mirth becomes families and retirements, as well as public assemblies. Let our singing be such as to make melody with our hearts unto the Lord, and God will assuredly be well pleased with this kind of devotion."1

So dear ones, the points to be gleaned from this solitary verse are: No matter what your story is; regardless of whether you are in a season of sorrow or gladness, cry out to God in worship and with your petitions! Lift up your voice in psalms, hymns and spiritual songs! Praise Him, for He is worthy to be praised!

Rejoice and be glad knowing that He who is in you, is faithful to be with you through it all!

Psalm 107 says this:
"Oh, give thanks to the LORD, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever. Let the redeemed of the LORD say so, whom He has redeemed from the hand of the enemy, and gathered out of the lands, from the east and from the west, from the north and from the south."2

Stephanie

Stephanie Paul, wife and mother of two grown children. An "instrument of change" in the Redeemer's Hand, in the lives of wounded and hurting women. Currently serving as a part of the Addiction Recovery Team at America's Keswick as Woman of Character Program Administrator.
1 http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=James+5&version=NKJV
2 www.biblegateway.com