“The wicked flee when no man pursueth: But the righteous are bold as a lion. For the transgression of a land many are the princes thereof: But by a man of understanding and knowledge the state thereof shall be prolonged. A poor man that oppresseth the poor Is like a sweeping rain which leaveth no food. They that forsake the law praise the wicked: But such as keep the law contend with them. Evil men understand not judgment: But they that seek the LORD understand all things. Better is the poor that walketh in his uprightness, Than he that is perverse in his ways, though he be rich. Whoso keepeth the law is a wise son: But he that is a companion of riotous men shameth his father.”
Proverbs 28:1-7 KJV
https://bible.com/bible/1/pro.28.1-7.KJV
Responding to God at All Times
Throughout our lives, we will all experience both suffering and joy. We'll have times of great grief and times of overflowing happiness. Sometimes, they’ll be separate seasons—but other times, these experiences come together.
In either case and in any situation, James expected Christians to come to God. If someone was suffering, prayer was the call to action. If someone was cheerful, people were to pause and praise God.
This might seem obvious, but when suffering clouds our thinking, we can sometimes forget to prioritize prayer. And when things are going well and we're feeling cheerful, it’s easy to just enjoy our season and not stop long enough to praise God for it. But every season of life is actually just an opportunity to put into practice what James wrote about…
When we are suffering, let us pray. When those around us are suffering, let us pray. When we are cheerful or happy, let us praise God. When others are happy, let us praise God with ...