Recently, I was up all night with an upset stomach due to something I ate. 

I got to thinking about how, for most of us, when we’re feeling fine—free from stomach pain, body aches, joint pain, headaches—we don’t think much about our body. We just expect it to perform and do everything we want it to do. It’s only when our knees ache, or when we’re up all night with a cramping stomach, or we’re down with a pounding headache…those are the times when we notice our body (and complain about it not working right).

Isn’t it the same with God? 

When things are going fine in life, many of us don’t pour out our hearts to Him. Sometimes, we don’t even notice that He’s there!

Why is that?

My stomach ache helped me remember how I should be pouring out my heart during the good times in life, praising God’s name, thanking Him that there is no problem that needs immediate intervention. 

Is it just a coincidence that life is good and smooth at the moment? Probably not. It’s because God is blessing me, protecting me from harm, and working things out behind the scenes. I want to be grateful for clear skies and smooth sailing. Because, soon enough, the water will get choppy and I’ll need His help. 

And I can use this “problem-free time” in life as an opportunity to pray for others who are going through big trials. We know they reciprocate the prayers when it’s our turn.

I don’t know about you, but I want to get in the habit of pouring out my heart to God with just as much energy during the good times as the bad.

This article has undergone ministry review and approval.