Word@Work James49 - James 5:13
Published: Tue, 04/21/09
Word@Work from BeaconLight
GOD OVER ALL THAT HAPPENS
James 5:13 Is any one of you in trouble? He should pray. Is anyone happy? Let him sing songs of praise. (NIV)
Character is rarely fully seen; but over time we can see glimpses of the 'real person'. Although we observe their planned actions - the matters they intend us to notice - it is their reactions that reveal most. In the moment of stress, when we are not in full control of the situation, our words and actions betray us. They show who we trust , who we love and how we intend to face the future. Both trouble and happiness may come to us (there is no need for James to define the many causes of each) but we certainly know when our circumstances make us downcast or happy. The question is, how do we react?
In the previous verse, James said that swearing is not the right way (cf James 5:12). The right way is to refer everything to the Lord. When trouble comes, it is no surprise to him; He knows and wants to work a solution that will be for His glory and our good (cf Rom 8:28). If we have a relationship with Him, it should be natural to cry out to Him. When all is well, the child of God will not want to take the glory, but to give thanks and praise to the One who deserves all the glory. That is the key: that God should be glorified - either in dependent prayer trusting Him to act, or in praise for what He has done, and all for His glory's sake (cf Ps 69:29-30).
Difficulties and nice happenings both generate emotion. How we express that emotion demonstrates our character, either selfish or Godly. The, mainly, Jewish readers of James' letter understood the value in expressing emotion from their hymnbook (the Psalms). Different tribes/nations today may have contrasting cultures of emotional expression, but true Christians throughout the world should be taught to bring their emotions to God; not solving problems alone nor pleasing themselves in the good times, but giving the glory to the Lord. International business culture tends to be self-congratulatory, but the man and woman of God will not refrain from expressing praise to their Master. The secular workplace sneers at humility; but the troubled person is right to humble themselves under God's mighty hand, in the confidence that He will act at the right time (cf 1 Pet 5:6). So, what do your reactions say about your relationship with God?
Prayer: Father God. I know that all things are in Your hand. Help me to put this truth into practice, today and every day, by bringing all my joys and sorrows to You. Help me to excel in giving You glory and to be so aware of your open ear to my prayers, that I will cast myself upon You. Strengthen my confidence in Your power to act for me, and increase my delight in praising You. For Jesus' Christ's sake. Amen.
You can read the verses around this Bible passage from the Internet Bible: - in English, and many other languages
Character is rarely fully seen; but over time we can see glimpses of the 'real person'. Although we observe their planned actions - the matters they intend us to notice - it is their reactions that reveal most. In the moment of stress, when we are not in full control of the situation, our words and actions betray us. They show who we trust , who we love and how we intend to face the future. Both trouble and happiness may come to us (there is no need for James to define the many causes of each) but we certainly know when our circumstances make us downcast or happy. The question is, how do we react?
In the previous verse, James said that swearing is not the right way (cf James 5:12). The right way is to refer everything to the Lord. When trouble comes, it is no surprise to him; He knows and wants to work a solution that will be for His glory and our good (cf Rom 8:28). If we have a relationship with Him, it should be natural to cry out to Him. When all is well, the child of God will not want to take the glory, but to give thanks and praise to the One who deserves all the glory. That is the key: that God should be glorified - either in dependent prayer trusting Him to act, or in praise for what He has done, and all for His glory's sake (cf Ps 69:29-30).
Difficulties and nice happenings both generate emotion. How we express that emotion demonstrates our character, either selfish or Godly. The, mainly, Jewish readers of James' letter understood the value in expressing emotion from their hymnbook (the Psalms). Different tribes/nations today may have contrasting cultures of emotional expression, but true Christians throughout the world should be taught to bring their emotions to God; not solving problems alone nor pleasing themselves in the good times, but giving the glory to the Lord. International business culture tends to be self-congratulatory, but the man and woman of God will not refrain from expressing praise to their Master. The secular workplace sneers at humility; but the troubled person is right to humble themselves under God's mighty hand, in the confidence that He will act at the right time (cf 1 Pet 5:6). So, what do your reactions say about your relationship with God?
Prayer: Father God. I know that all things are in Your hand. Help me to put this truth into practice, today and every day, by bringing all my joys and sorrows to You. Help me to excel in giving You glory and to be so aware of your open ear to my prayers, that I will cast myself upon You. Strengthen my confidence in Your power to act for me, and increase my delight in praising You. For Jesus' Christ's sake. Amen.
Why not share Word@Work with your friends - they can subscribe at http://www.beaconlight.co.uk/email
If you value your free Word@Work, click here to make a donation
which will help us to maintain and develop the ministry - thank you!
which will help us to maintain and develop the ministry - thank you!
Your next Word@Work will be sent on
All the 'back copies' for this series, and the series in Mark and Ephesians can be found on www.beaconlight.co.uk/email
W@WJames49 | Word@Work © Dr Paul Adams 2009 | Provided by BeaconLight
Contact us at wordatwork@beaconlight.co.uk
Contact us at wordatwork@beaconlight.co.uk