Bible Reading: Job 22; James 1:1-8.
“When men are cast down, then thou shalt say, There is lifting up; and he shall save the humble person.” – Job 22:29 (KJV)
There is so much feeling of inadequacy around because of the economy and general environment. When the economy experiences downturn, most people are affected negatively and they become downcast. In the economic downturn of 2009 to 2011 in Nigeria, someone who had taken loan from banks to buy shares in Nigeria slumped and died. He was in the same building my office was located and apparently, he could not think of how he would be able to cover the loss. Philippians 4:6 (KJV) says: “Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.”
No matter your challenge as a child of God, the bible enjoins you not to be anxious, rather you are to make your requests known to God while thanking him for what he has done for you. It is interesting to note that strength comes from prayer and thanksgiving. So as a child of God, when challenges come knocking, you should not be downcast, but come to the Lord in prayer and in that process, joy will take over from the downcast mood. It is noteworthy that prayer and thanksgiving come from a humble heart while prayerlessness is a product of pride! Hence Job 22:29 (KJV) says: “When men are cast down, then thou shalt say, There is lifting up; and he shall save the humble person.”
But to continuously have a lifting up, you need to put away iniquity (Job 22:23 KJV). In addition, you need to ensure you pray always and pay thy vows. (Job 22:27).
So are you going through any storm now, please examine yourself that there is no iniquity in your life and there is no outstanding vow that you have not fulfilled and then give thanks to God and lift up his name even in the midst of the challenge and make your request known to him. Then you will be surprised how you will be lifted up by the Spirit of God. Now it is important to make this a habit so that in all situations you can remain on top and ride in the storm to higher heights. Remember the word of God in Hebrews 13:5 (KJV): “Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee”.
Action Point: Count your blessings, and thank God for all he has done for you while you ask him to intervene in your challenges.
Bro. Biodun Oyapero