James 5:13 (KJV) says, “Is any among you afflicted? let him pray. Is any merry? let him sing psalms.”

That verse is short, but it’s a whole prescription for life right there. James is saying, “Whatever season you’re in, talk to God about it.”

If you’re hurting, pray. If you’re happy, praise. Either way, stay connected to the One who holds you together. Prayer and praise are like the two wings of faith, when both are moving, your spirit soars.

Sometimes, we get it backwards. When we’re hurting, we run to people first instead of to God. And when we’re happy, we forget to thank Him because we’re too busy enjoying the blessing. But James reminds us that whether you’re crying tears of pain or tears of joy, God wants to be part of both.

So today, if your heart is heavy, pray. Pour it out before Him. If your heart is light, sing! Lift up a song of gratitude. Either way, turn your face toward Heaven and keep that line open.

Because prayer invites God into your pain,

and praise invites God into your peace.

And when God’s in both, life stays anchored in grace.

“Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the Lord.” -Psalm 31:24 (KJV)

There are days when your strength feels spent, when your prayers sound more like sighs and your faith feels like it’s running on fumes. But right here, David reminds us: “Be of good courage.”

Courage doesn’t always look like shouting in battle or standing on a mountaintop. Sometimes it’s getting up again when you feel knocked down. Sometimes it’s whispering, “I still trust You, Lord,” through tears.

And here’s the beautiful promise: when you find the courage to keep hoping, God strengthens your heart. Not just your body or your circumstances, but the deep-down part of you that keeps you standing when life shakes you.

Hope is the anchor that holds when everything else slips.

Courage is the choice to grip that anchor tighter.

So today, breathe deep, square your shoulders, and lift your chin. You’re not walking through this storm alone. God is still working, still strengthening, still faithful.

Be of good courage, because your heart is in the hands of the One who never fails.

“Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.” — Ephesians 6:11 (KJV)

Out here on the porch, I’ve learned something about preparation. You don’t wait until the storm rolls in to fix the roof, you make sure it’s ready before the clouds gather. That’s exactly what Paul was saying when he told us to put on the whole armor of God.

Life will throw its punches: temptation, discouragement, doubt, delay, but the child of God doesn’t have to face any of it unprotected. The armor of God isn’t something we wear to look holy; it’s what we put on to stand strong. 

Truth buckles around your waist. Righteousness guards your heart. Peace steadies your steps. Faith shields your soul. Salvation covers your mind. And the Word of God, that sharp sword of the Spirit, reminds the enemy that victory has already been won.

So today, before you step into battle, suit up. You’re not fighting for victory, you’re standing in it. Christ already secured it at the cross.

Don’t leave your armor hanging on the wall. Put it on, pray it on, and walk in the strength that only comes from the Lord.