Simply Put:
When you’re going through a tough time, what is your response? Do you grumble, complain, or even wish for better days?
When your day is going smoothly, how do you rejoice? Do you find yourself even acknowledging a good day when you’re in it?
I recently asked the Lord for another message He’d like me to share… I heard the word “praise,” then noticed that James 5:13-15 was the verse of the day:
“Are any of you suffering harships? You should pray. Are any of you happy? You should sing praises. Are any of you sick? You should call the elders of the church to come and pray over you, anointing you with oil in the name of the Lord. Such a prayer offered in faith will heal the sick, and the Lord will make you well. And if you have committed any sins, you will be forgiven.”
Two days ago, my dear friend, Sarah, shared an Instagram post on her story with some of the following lines:
“In lack, thank Him
In much, thank Him
In no, thank Him
In yes, thank Him…”
So on and so forth.
THEN, a familiar melody begun playing in my head – many of you will probably recognize the lyrics:
“It’s like it was yesterday
I was praying for a miracle…
God, I’m still counting my blessings!”
(Counting My Blessings by Seph Schlueter)
I am thankful to the Lord for getting His point across so clearly. We do serve a God who hears our prayers and faithfully answers.
So many times when things do not go our way, or we’re having a good day, we forget to acknowledge God. We go about our lives “rolling with the punches” or partying it up, yet our focus isn’t heavenward. In fact, is it not commonly the case that we actually tend to blame God when things go wrong? Moreover, when things are going well for us, don’t we commonly allow our praises to go unsung before the Lord?
I’m honestly not quite sure why this is what the Lord gave me to say this time, though it does serve as a valuable reminder to myself about daily focus. I tend to have a much more even temperament and gracious perspective when my being is fixated on who God is. I lose self-control and procrastinate more when my gaze is set on what’s in front of me instead of the God who lives inside of me.
If any of this resonates with you, may this serve as a reminder that we’re called to go to God in all seasons of life, good and bad. Want it put even simpler? We’re called to God.
