James 5:13 Is anyone among you in trouble? Let them pray. Is anyone happy? Let them sing songs of praise.
When faced with anxiety your first reaction is probably not to pray. But it should be. And if your first response to anxiety, worry, and trouble IS prayer, then kudos to you for taking steps toward overcoming! Many of us anxiety filled individuals don’t turn to prayer when worry hits. Should we. Of course. If we did we would probably NOT be filled with anxiety!
Don’t get me wrong. You can be a Christian and still have anxiety. You can also be one who turns to prayer when troubles hit… yet still have anxiety. I know because I have struggled with anxiety much of my life and prayer is my go to when things get tough. I take offense when people say Christians shouldn’t have anxiety or those who claim anxiety is a red flag that your spiritual life is lacking.
James gives such simple advice yet it can truly be life changing. Prayer is always your default response, regardless of what you are responding to. Anxiety? Pray. Troubles? Pray. Happiness and joy? Pray (praise). Our default setting should be to talk to God, whether prayer, adoration, thanksgiving, praise…
What is your default? Are you turning to God every time you face trouble or anxiety?
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