How are we to react?

James 5:13

1.                  If we are afflicted?

a.      Afflicted means to be undergoing hardships, to be suffering troubles of sickness, bereavement, disappointment, persecutions, loss of health or property.

b.      Our afflictions are to drive us to pray and seek the Lord

c.      We are to pray. God’s word gives examples and encouragements to pray:

                                                              i.      Manasseh humbled himself greatly and cried out to God when he was in affliction and God heard him and answered giving him his kingdom once again II Chronicles 33:12-13 Answered prayer confirmed or made Manasseh know that the Lord was God.

                                                            ii.      David called out to God in his distress and God heard and saved him from his enemies Psalm 18:6, 3

                                                          iii.      God does not need us nor is He asking us but rather wants us to realize our need of Him and to call on Him. We should learn to thank Him Psalm 50:12, 14-15

d.      He doesn’t always answer like we would want Him to answer because He knows what we need II Corinthians 12:7-10

2.                  If we are merry?

a.      This word merry speaks of being cheerful, pleasant, agreeable, free from trouble, or happy. Proverbs 15:13, 15; 17:22

b.      We are to sing praises. Ephesians 5:19-20, Colossians 3:16

c.      Our God desires that His praises be on our lips. I Chronicles 16:9, Psalm 95:2, 105:2

d.      We should express outwardly in song and melody our gratefulness and praise to God. Let others know what God is doing in your life.