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I was down in the basement, setting things up for Thanksgiving Day, when I heard the familiar sound of little feet coming downstairs. “Grandma,” Julia said, her little eyes brimming with tears, “I was driving the Jeep, and I hurt my hand on the wheel.”

Holding it up in the air, she showed me a little red spot, which, from what I could see, looked like a friction burn caused by the wheel. I could tell by the pain in her eyes that this one really stung. Wrapping my arms around her, we snuggled while she let the tears fall.

It’s a beautiful thing when God allows us to step into those places of comfort and care. Honestly, it surprised me because she usually goes to her mom. After all, no one can comfort a hurt quite like a mother. They know what to say and just how to hold you to make the pain go away.

As I got to thinking about that today, I was reminded of our study this week. More specifically, what or who do we go to in our times of pain? My first thought used to be to call a compassionate friend, but time has taught me to run to God first. He knows exactly what I need, even before I ask. And when I turn to Him, I know I can rest in His care.

James opens up chapter 5 by addressing our reliance on wealth. He doesn’t mince words when he warns about the dangers of trusting in riches, saying, “Now listen, you rich people, weep and wail because of the misery that is coming on you” (James 5:1). He’s speaking to those who have placed their trust in material wealth, reminding them that money and possessions will rot, corrode, and, in time, they will fail.

This chapter brings up an important question: where do we place our trust? Is it in the things of this world, or in the unfailing arms of God? James encourages us to shift our trust away from fleeting riches and toward the One who holds all things in His hands. 

In verses 13-16, we’re reminded of that trust once again as James calls us to turn to the Lord. Whether we’re happy or sad, sick or poor, the answer to all of our troubles is God—run to Him first. James highlights the power of prayer in healing not just our bodies but our souls.

When trials hit hard, we look for something solid to lean on. For some, it’s financial security; for many, it may be the ability to get things done; and for others, it might be family or friends. But James is clear: our trust needs to be rooted in God and expressed through prayer. Wealth will fade. Strength will falter. People will come and go. But when we bring our pain to God, we find comfort not found in this world—His care is steady, His love never fails.

This is a challenge for us to examine our hearts and ask ourselves what we rely on the most. Is it in the shifting sand of this ever-changing world, or in the unshakeable power of God?

This Week’s Printable

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