Always

Are any of you suffering hardships? You should pray. Are any of you happy? You should sing praises.

James 5:13

BOBBY WAS ALONE, much more so than he’d ever been in his life. After leaving work on Friday afternoon, he often wouldn’t talk to another human being until he arrived back at the office on Monday morning. His meager paycheck was spent before he even received it. Times were tough, and there were many, many nights when all Bobby could do was pray.

Slowly, Bobby’s lot in life began to improve. He got an awesome job, one that he truly loved. He met the woman of his dreams. They married and had two happy, healthy children. Every day on the way to school, the kids commandeered the car’s CD player so they could listen to a catchy Christian song called “Good Morning.” Life was good!

Today’s verse is short and to the point, but that’s what we need sometimes. When your world has been shaken down to its foundation, this passage doesn’t say to mope about it or lash out in anger. It says to pray. That may not always seem like much, but nothing could be more important. Prayer has the power to change our perspective and give us hope.

The same goes for times of plenty. Instead of giving God a quick thumbs-up and going on about your business, praise Him with everything you have. He is the Creator of the universe, and He sent us His Son—the greatest gift possible. Thank Him for that, and don’t do it half-heartedly.

BOTTOM LINE

No matter what’s being thrown at you, you can pray. And in the good times, you can praise. The important thing is to engage with God from your heart.

Moment of Strength: Colossians 3:15-17