Digging Deeper – November 28, 2023
…Are any of you happy? You should sing praises.
James 5:13b (NLT)
ARE YOU HAPPY? PRAISE GOD!
One of the ways we go about expressing our thankfulness is through singing! Did you know that the Bible contains over 180 songs? The Jews celebrated through music; the early church did likewise. The Roman Governor Pliny, writing to the emperor Trajan in 112 A.D., noted that the first Christians “had become accustomed to meeting before daybreak, and to recite a hymn among themselves to Christ…” Thus, the corporate singing of praises has been a vital mode of worship since the inception of the church. James encourages the continuation of that practice as proper for the happy Christian.
It is fitting that this appeal to the cheerful believer follows the previous address to the afflicted, for we are to communicate to our Lord in all seasons – feast and famine. Yet often we forget to give him due praise for seasons of peace. The apostle Paul reminds us “always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances…” (Thessalonians 5:16-18). Are you happy? Praise God! Thanksgiving is as much a part of prayer as our desperate petitions.
Have you given thanks for answered prayers? A good rule of thumb is “if its small enough to pray about its small enough to give thanks about.” Those times that we casually prayed for sunny weather or a favorable outcome ought to be followed up with an expression of gratitude. This will not only cultivate a spirit of thanksgiving, but it will reinforce the precious sovereignty of God in every aspect of our life – big and small.
Ryan Hoffer serves as NextGen Production Director at NorthStar. He holds an M.Div in Church History and enjoys playing the harp. He and his wife, Tiffany, live in Acworth and have three children.