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James 5:13b
In contrast to James 5:13a in which James asked if anyone is suffering, in James 5:13b he asks if anyone is cheerful. James also gives instructions for those who are cheerful; he says that they should sing psalms. This passage, as does James 5:13a, falls into the category of a “catch all” and is to include everyone, even those of us who cannot carry a tune as well as others. But it is not the quality of our voice in singing the psalm to God but the quality of our heart in our faith and obedience to God that makes beautiful music to Him and rings true in His ears. Psalm 100:1-2 (NIV) declares, “Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth. Worship the LORD with gladness; come before him with joyful songs.” In Psalm 101:1 David proclaims, “I will sing of your love and justice; to you, LORD, I will sing praise.” Paul and Silas were singing even while in prison as we learn from Acts 16:25.
This is a command/instruction for those who are cheerful.
Some of the most beautiful moments in a Church service are those in which the congregation is singing praise to God. I believe this is to prepare our hearts to be open to hear what the Lord is about to say to us in the message that He has given the pastor/priest to share with us that we may learn of the truth of the Bible and how we are to apply that Biblical truth in our lives to bring glory to God. Singing is a means of prayer in crying out to God, and this can be in suffering or in times of praise, but the main point in this lesson is that God wants and desires to hear from us in times of suffering (James 5:13a), and in times of joy and being cheerful (James 5:13b). Some of you may feel that you are not able to speak directly to God, but I encourage you to pray directly to God and sing within your heart praises to God and cry out to Him in your heart when you are suffering as God will hear your prayers and singing to Him – and His guidance through His Holy Spirit will be felt and seen in your life.
Dear LORD,
Please help us to see that You are waiting for us to call out to you personally for help in times of suffering and to hear our praise in singing psalms to You and Your blessing fill our lives. Revelation 4:11 proclaims, “You are worthy, O Lord, To receive glory and honor and power; For You created all things, And by Your will they exist and were created.” In Jesus name I pray, amen.