The Most Boring Advice Column

“Is anyone among you suffering? He should pray. Is anyone cheerful? He should sing praises.”
‭‭James‬ ‭5‬:‭13‬ ‭CSB‬‬

This seems so simple and practical. Basic. It’s like telling someone who’s hungry to eat and someone who’s thirsty to drink. Except that it’s not. What’s the difference? Well, the difference is not a what, it’s a who. In my example, I am meeting my needs with my own strength and resources. In James’s example, God is the answer. He’s saying no matter what my status is – good, bad, or in-between – I should always be turning to God. God is always ready to hear from me. He is always here and always loving and always capable of providing exactly what I need. Whether it’s practical help or just a listening ear to share in my joy. James wrote the most boring advice column. His answer is always the same: talk to God about it.

Dear God,

What a fantastic gift you have given your children, the gift of always being available, always ready to listen. It’s unheard of in this world. Thank you that you are never closed, never on vacation, never sick or distracted or busy. I am so grateful for your undivided attention. Help me not to take it for granted. Remind me to always turn to you with everything in my life, good, bad, boring, frightening, mundane, joyful… and to trust that you hear me and care.


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