Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing praises.  Jacob (James) 5:13, TLV

Don’t Forget Abba!        Shabbat Shalom!     It’s pretty straightforward, right? Having a rough time? Pray. Feeling good? Sing praises to the LORD. I don’t know about you, but I need to be reminded of this.

When a disappointment comes, or bad news, what do I usually do? React. Worry. Get angry. Be afraid. Then I complain to others — usually my poor husband. Or I take my mind off the problem with entertainment.

On the other hand, when I’m feeling good, I don’t always default to praise and worship—well, maybe a quick, “Praise the LORD!”. I’m just reveling in the fact that I’m happy. Then I do something I want to do to celebrate.

Behold, we consider blessed those who showed endurance. You have heard of the endurance of Job, and you have seen the outcome of ADONAI [the LORD]—that ADONAI is full of compassion and mercy. (vs. 11, TLV)

Yeshua’s brother, Jacob uses Job as an example. Really? Job. That’s a pretty intimidating role model. Even Job’s wife wanted him to curse God — and die — but Job wouldn’t (Job 2:9). He wanted to be obedient. Throughout all his trials, he wouldn’t curse God. He questioned. Mourned. Grieved. Yet still didn’t doubt.

I pray none of us have to suffer through everything that Job experienced, but the point is, we need to remember the simple fact. Go to our Heavenly Father, first. Our Abba — our Daddy. When there is something wrong and when everything is right. Consider ourselves reminded.

Think More About It

What is your “default” when trouble arises? When something wonderful happens?

May your default be prayer and praise.

Prayer Prompt for Israel

ADONAI our God, You answered them.
A forgiving God You were to them, though You avenged their misdeeds.
Exalt ADONAI our God,
and worship at His holy hill,
for holy is ADONAI our God. Psalm 99:8-9, TLV

Abba, we thank You that You are a forgiving God. Israel is not perfect—because humanity is not perfect. What we can be good at is worship and praise. To exalt You. We pray that You would help us remember to do that. In Yeshua’s Name. God bless and Shabbat shalom.