Today’s devotion comes from James 5:13.
“Is anyone among you suffering? Then he must pray. Is anyone cheerful? He is to sing praises.” James 5:13.
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The temptation is for us to dismiss this Scripture, thinking “I know that. I do not need to be taught that.”
I felt that way. Then, when I went to bed last night, I decided to slightly change the temperature. The house was almost completely dark, and after I changed the temperature, I was in a rush to get back to bed, so I defiantly stomped back toward my bedroom and tripped over the corner of my dog’s black metal crate, badly stubbing my toe, causing me to fall down hard. We have thick carpeting, so I was fine except for my stubbed toe.
I was suffering, but I was too focused on my pain and shame for being too careless and too arrogant. Thus, I hesitated to pray until I remembered to pray.
I know that this is such a small example of suffering. Some of you are going through much more suffering. But, you may even more need to be reminded to pray.
Other doctrine focuses on our alleged free-will and what we can do to not fall.
But, Reformed Doctrine focuses on God’s steadfast love for His elect, how God forgives us and cleanses us from all of our unrighteousness, how God rescues us, how God heals us, and how God preserves us, even using thick carpeting.
“Call upon Me in the day of trouble;
I shall rescue you, and you will honor Me.” Psalm 50:15.
“8 Oh give thanks to the LORD, call upon His name;
Make known His deeds among the peoples.
9 Sing to Him, sing praises to Him;
Speak of all His wonders.
10 Glory in His holy name;
Let the heart of those who seek the LORD be glad.” 1 Chronicles 16:8-10.
“Bless the LORD, O my soul,
And all that is within me, bless His holy name.
2 Bless the LORD, O my soul,
And forget none of His benefits;
3 Who pardons all your iniquities,
Who heals all your diseases;
4 Who redeems your life from the pit,
Who crowns you with lovingkindness and compassion;
5 Who satisfies your years with good things,
So that your youth is renewed like the eagle.” Psalm 103:1-5.
“It is good to give thanks to the LORD
And to sing praises to Your name, O Most High;
2 To declare Your lovingkindness in the morning
And Your faithfulness by night,
3 With the ten-stringed lute and with the harp,
With resounding music upon the lyre.
4 For You, O LORD, have made me glad by what You have done,
I will sing for joy at the works of Your hands.” Psalm 92:1-4.
Reformed Doctrine Daily Devotions 