There is an old(er) hymn called God Of The Mountain. The first verse and chorus go like this...
Life is easy, when you're up on the mountain
And you've got peace of mind, like you've never known
But things change when you're down in the valley
Don't lose faith, for you're never alone
For the God on the mountain, is still God in the valley
When things go wrong, He'll make them right
And the God of the good times, is still God in the bad times
The God of the day is still God in the night
It's a reminder that no matter what happens in life, we as believers in Christ should keep ourselves centered on Christ and through whatever circumstance, offer our prayer and praises. Whether it be prayers of thanksgiving or prayers during suffering, they belong to Jesus Christ. Why?
Because He controls all of it. One more time for the people in the back....no matter WHAT like throws at us, God is in control.
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The verse of a day in the Bible app is what inspired me to write this. It's from James 5:13 and it reads:
The book of James is a great book. I always find it humbling to read. We should always be inclined to check ourselves and hold ourselves accountable, not to the worlds standards, but rather to God's and the only place to find that is in His word - the Bible.
Reading James will do this to a believer. Chapter 1 reminds us that if we want wisdom, we must seek it from God. Chapter 2 reminds us that whatever suffering we experience in this life, we should count it all joy. Chapter 3 reminds us that our words are powerful and can lead to our destruction but never will they have the power to save us. Chapter 4 reminds us again that wisdom comes from God and that brings us to chapter 5....prayer and it's power.
Trials will come. Suffering will come. When it comes, it provides an opportunity to move closer to God, asking for help, asking for strength to remain faithful in the suffering.
A lack of prayer in response to trouble should be a spiritual warning sign. It's a symptom of a person who is not living in dependence on God.
Here's why I love James so much....
If prayer doesn't come naturally to us, James calls us to do it anyway. Whether it feels awkward or as normal as breathing, prayer is a key way that believers express their faith in God. You don't have to be a speech writer to talk to God. This is something I personally am still learning. All you really have to be is willing.
Today, no matter what comes your way, take it as an opportunity to pray. If you're happy, sing praises. If you're anxious, talk to Jesus about it. If you're mad, tell Him why. If you're in need, ask Him to provide. If you're scared, lean on Him. Whatever it is, pray.
We serve a big God and He can handle anything we bring to Him. Pray!
If you're reading this and still haven't given your life to Jesus, this is your sign - it's time. It will be the best decision you'll ever make. Ask God to reveal Himself to you. Ask Him into your heart. Read His word. It will change your life.
