Praise is Your Prescription When Pressure Hits

Is any among you afflicted? let him pray. Is any merry? let him sing psalms. (James 5:13)

James was a pastor and teacher who addressed real-life issues. He didn’t give a ten-step formula for how to deal with affliction or some theological essay about the joy of a believer. Instead, James asked two simple questions and gave two clear commands. Are you afflicted? Pray. Are you cheerful? Sing psalms.James taught that praise is the appropriate response of the believer, regardless of the season. Both prayer and praise keep us focused on God instead of being absorbed by our circumstances. It is easy in affliction to be tempted to complain constantly about the situation you find yourself in.

Additionally, during times of joy, some Christians may become spiritually lax and stop pursuing God because life is going well.

Whether you find yourself under pressure or walking in peace, your mouth must stay in agreement and praise with God. James made it clear in his writing that heaviness does not simply disappear; you must do something to remove it from your life. When you sing psalms and vocalize God’s Word, you also help bring your emotions back under spiritual authority and agreement. Before praise can shift the atmosphere around you, it must first calm the atmosphere within you. That’s why sometimes a sacrifice of praise — praising when you don’t feel like it — needs to happen before you experience exciting praise. It’s not about feeling it; it's about agreeing with God and praising Him regardless.

Practical Application

When pressure rises, open your mouth immediately. Don’t internalize what you are feeling or thinking; release your prayer and praise. You confuse the enemy, allow God’s plan to move forward, and victory to come your way.

Psalm 50:15; Ephesians 5:19