James 5:13 KJV
[13] “Is any among you afflicted? let him pray. Is any merry? let him sing psalms.”
Is it possible to be afflicted and be merry at the same time? It was for Paul and Silas in the book of Acts. They had been beaten with many stripes and thrown into the inner prison. They suffered affliction for their faithfulness in preaching the Gospel. Even though they were afflicted, they were not through serving God. The Bible says in chapter sixteen that they began praying and singing praises to God. We don’t know what they were singing, but it is probable that they were singing psalms. Despite their persecution and imprisonment, they were merry.
I understand that James is talking about two different individuals in our text. However, the principles are simple, when we suffer and have afflictions pray about those physical needs. Then, whenever we are happy, we should sing a song that magnifies the Lord. I’m glad the Christian life is practical and centered around the Bible and common sense. I would tell our girls when they were growing up that if they studied their Bible and exercised their brains, they would always know the will of God. It’s just that simple.
However, one of the great mysteries of the Christian life is how God’s children can have both suffering and a song. The afflictions of life may rob us of our health, but they do not have to rob us of our song. Singing amid sorrow is something that separates Christians from all others.
You may be reading this devotional and going through great physical pain. You should pray about your affliction and ask the Lord to heal you, and if that is not His will, ask Him to help you as you bare the pain. Ask him to help you keep your song and then share it with others. Practice being merry and be a blessing to those you meet today.