Is anyone among you in trouble? Let them pray. Is anyone happy? Let them sing songs of praise.
James 5:13 NIV
Pray and Sing
Inuit vocal games describe central Canadian Arctic practices that are both musical and ludic (spontaneous or playful). The exact year and location when and where Inuit vocal games began is unknown because the Inuit did not keep written records. However, some records of explorers and missionaries document vocal games in Alaska and the Canadian Arctic in the 19th century. Vocal games could also be found in Japan, among the Ainu, under the name rekkukara, and among the Tchukchi of East Siberia.
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Each and every one of us is in a different place emotionally and spiritually today. Some are enjoying a time of great joy and fulfillment – everything seems to be going along well, and we are enjoying times of refreshing in our relationship with Jesus. Others, however, will be finding yourself in a challenging place, or in a dry spell spiritually, your relationship with Jesus not where you wished it was. God understands this – we are human and life brings both great joy and deep challenges. So, the apostle James was inspired to write this in James 5:13: “Is anyone among you in trouble? Let them pray. Is anyone happy? Let them sing songs of praise.” God is with you today, no matter what you are facing. If you’re on top of the highest point on the roller coaster of life right now, sing, worship, praise. There is nothing wrong with expressing your joy to the Lord with great abandonment. If, however, you’re down in the coaster valley, pray. Let the Lord hear your moaning and groaning. Let Him carry you as you lift up your lament to Him. He will hear and answer.
These have been words from the heart.
Bob Beasley