Read: James 5:13b

James' second snappy encouragement is "sing, when you feel great."

Increasing, our culture frowns on emotional expression. There is a notion that emotions impedes performance. Many are afraid of emotional people, especially those who wear negative emotions on their sleeves.

But James advocates a kind of living-out-loud. To him, joy needs expresssion. in his theses on matching our actions with our beliefs, he gives us permission to put happy words to happy emotions. It is yet another example of the authentic life - where our actions match the condition of our souls.

What James asks has everything to do with living in the moment, where we do not allow the troubles of yesterday or tommorow rob us of the joy of the moment when they happen. It's about not missing every good thing God does, because we are so pre-occupied with our problems. We can sing, because we know God is on the job.

Write
Think about your faith story: what is the happiest moment of your life?

How well do you celebrate? How do you typcially express your joy?

At this moment in your life, what relationship, situation, or experience gives you great joy?

Pray
What is God saying to you today?

Talk to God about the people, situations, and experiences that make you happy.

Talk to God about how well you live in the moment. Ask God to help you to celebrate every good moment, while trusting him to take care of the past and the future.

Talk to God about meaningful ways to express joy. Ask God how you can turn your joy into a blessing for someone else.

Pray for an experience of God's love, grace and mercy as you learn to celebrate every good moment, as you savour how God cares for you, and as you spread your joy to bless others.