How are you? (1)
How are you? It’s a simple question, but one that can be answered in a multiplicity of ways. …“I’m great.” …“I’m not so good at the moment.” …“I feel sick.” …“Never felt better.” …“I’m happy.” …“I’m sad.” And what’s more the way we answer the “how are you” question changes from one week, (perhaps even one day), to the next. And that underlines that “changeability of life” factor that all of us live under. And the changeability of life, and its response is something that James addresses with profound simplicity. This is what he writes in verses 13 and 14 of chapter 5:
James 5:13-14 NIV [13] Is anyone among you in trouble? Let them pray. Is anyone happy? Let them sing songs of praise. [14] Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord.
Are you in trouble - pray. Are you happy - praise. Are you sick - call for the elders to pray for you. …Over the next couple of mornings I’m going to think upon these, but for now here’s my thoughts on James solution of prayer for those in trouble.
Trouble comes in a variety of forms, but James solution has no diversity whatsoever - it’s simply to pray. And that’s wonderful because his cure for trouble is not restricted to a particular type of problem. We can pray about every problem that comes our way: financial troubles, poor physical and/or mental health, family problems, conflict with another person, pressure at work, doubts about faith… The list is inexhaustible. And the reality is - over the course of our lives we’ll need to pray for everything, (and more), on that list because the trouble we experience today is different to the one we had yesterday.
And James profoundly simple solution also reveals that God is able to help us in any kind of trouble. And what’s more He is willing to, …even if the trouble we’re in is of our own making. God never gets to the place of turning away, and with folded arms saying - “I’ve helped you enough this week - go talk to someone else.” No - Scripture reveals Jesus to be a compassionate High Priest, one who knows our weakness and invites us to approach to find His help in time of need. (Hebrews 4:14-16). …He’s a Friend. And that’s what the 19th century Banbridge born hymn writer - Joseph Scriven captured so beautifully in his much loved hymn - “What a Friend we have in Jesus.” You can listen to a rendition of it here. …Verse 3 says:
Have we trials and temptations?
Is there trouble anywhere?
We should never be discouraged
Take it to the Lord in prayer.
…Is anyone among you in trouble? Let them pray. …Lets pray now
Lord Jesus thank you for your tireless love for me. Thank you that I am invited to come to you whatever my trouble. Help me to make prayer the first thing I do when in need, rather than the last. Amen.