Are any of you suffering hardships? You should pray. James 5:13b
What do you do when you need help? Who do you call? Do you reach out to a friend or family member? Do you turn to Google to give you advice? Maybe you don't ever ask for help, and you try to do everything yourself. As we look at Scripture, there is a better way to respond than turning to someone else first or just trying to solve your situation on your own. When we need help of any kind, the first thing we are to do, if we are followers of Christ, is to pray.
The final chapter of the book of James reminds believers to pray. James writes, "Are any of you suffering hardships? You should pray" (verse 13). This teaching could not be clearer. When followers of Christ face hardships and difficulties, they are to pray. They are to tell God about their situation and ask for help. Yes, we can ask friends and family members to help, but we must not forget to turn to God before anyone else. After all, He is all-powerful and able to help us in any area of our lives.
David, the writer of many Psalms, was no stranger to asking God for help. He wrote about God's help when his enemies were trying to attack, and even kill, him in Psalm 18. He began this chapter by writing, "I love you, Lord; you are my strength. The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my savior; my God is my rock, in whom I find protection. He is my shield, the power that saves me, and my place of safety." (verses 1-2). It is appropriate that David began this Psalm by describing God's power and strength. After all, when we ask Him for help, we need to remember His power and strength. Then David wrote, "I called on the Lord, who is worthy of praise, and he saved me from my enemies" (verse 3). When David needed help and was in dire situations, He turned to God, who rescued Him. He does the same for us when we turn to God.
We must follow James' instructions and David's example and pray when we need help. This does not mean the outcomes will always end how we hope. Sometimes God's plans are different from ours because He understands things we do not. But it does mean that God will always take care of us and help. Will you turn to Him for help today?
What situation are you facing now that you need help? Maybe you need help with a situation that your family is facing. Maybe you need help with your finances. Maybe you need help having a challenging conversation with a friend. Take a few minutes right now to pray. Ask God for help in that situation, and believe He has the power to help you in any situation you need.
Psalm 18:1-15
"I love you, Lord; you are my strength.2 The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my savior; my God is my rock, in whom I find protection.He is my shield, the power that saves me, and my place of safety.3 I called on the Lord, who is worthy of praise, and he saved me from my enemies.
4 The ropes of death entangled me; floods of destruction swept over me.5 The grave wrapped its ropes around me; death laid a trap in my path.6 But in my distress I cried out to the Lord; yes, I prayed to my God for help.He heard me from his sanctuary; my cry to him reached his ears.
7 Then the earth quaked and trembled. The foundations of the mountains shook; they quaked because of his anger.8 Smoke poured from his nostrils; fierce flames leaped from his mouth. Glowing coals blazed forth from him.9 He opened the heavens and came down; dark storm clouds were beneath his feet.10 Mounted on a mighty angelic being, he flew, soaring on the wings of the wind.11 He shrouded himself in darkness, veiling his approach with dark rain clouds.12 Thick clouds shielded the brightness around him and rained down hail and burning coals.13 The Lord thundered from heaven; the voice of the Most High resounded amid the hail and burning coals.14 He shot his arrows and scattered his enemies; great bolts of lightning flashed, and they were confused.15 Then at your command, O Lord, at the blast of your breath,the bottom of the sea could be seen, and the foundations of the earth were laid bare."
©2024 Sagebrush Church
