Based on the book of James chapter 5, David gives you some simple keys to living through affliction. Firstly, keep praying. And secondly, find a reason to be thankful and sing songs of praise to God.

Verse 12. Brethren, don't swear either by anything in heaven or on earth. In other words, don't live in such a way that you have to reinforce what you say by making some reference to heaven or earth. Be straightforward in your speech. Let your yes be yes, and your no be no.

What he's saying is simple: be honest, be straightforward, and do what you say. Don't just talk the talk; you've got to walk the walk. Your life must reflect the words you speak. If you live according to what you profess, your life itself will be the evidence and the witness. Otherwise, you will come into condemnation.

Then we come to the exciting part. Verse 13: "Is any among you afflicted? Let him pray. Is any merry? Let him sing psalms."

This is an exhortation to find comfort and strength in God, whatever your circumstances. If you are afflicted, pray. And I know what it is to be afflicted. I've been through it myself. I've had cancer that would have killed me twice, once in my throat and once in my lung. I've been in prison, where they threatened that I would die. And if you know my life story, you'll also know that there were four actual, literal attempts to assassinate me.

That's why James says, if you're afflicted, pray. Don't give up, don't despair, but turn to God. And if you're merry, if you're joyful, let that joy find expression in singing psalms and praising God.