SCRIPTURE: Acts 16:25-40
“About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God.” (Acts 16:25)
This is mind-blowing, singing when they are in shackles and chains.
They do not run away when the earthquake opens a doors.
The jailer and his family are converted because of this radical faith.
There is a lot going on in this story, but what jumps out at me is their singing in chains.
When I am facing failure or letdown or criticism or sickness, do I sing?
Do I only sing AFTER God has helped me?
I’m afraid my singing is more like moaning than praising.
To have such a confidence in God that not even prison can dampen their praise.
“I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body. Convinced of this, I know that I will remain, and I will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith, so that through my being with you again your boasting in Christ Jesus will abound on account of me. (Philippians 1:20-26)
These are the words that Paul writes to the Philippians, and this story happens in Philippi.
What he writes in his letter reflects what he said that day – boasting in Christ Jesus no matter what!
Today is a day for singing; today I will join Paul and Silas in singing His praises, no matter what!
Today is a day for me to shine the Light in my prison!
What do you sense the Lord saying to you?
PRAYER
Lord, today I am choosing to focus on You and Your awesomeness. I choose to believe that whatever happens, You will be exalted. Open doors around me, that people may come to You through them!
Observations/Application
Three things jump from today’s reading.
Prayer.
Singing.
Justice.
I need to talk with my God at all times – when things go well or when things go ‘badly’. God is in control and He will give the strength, wisdom and insights needed to deal with all circumstances. God after all is God! He is my Father and I need to place my hand in His.
Songs. Songs of praises. When? At all times I must sing for that lifts me up and draws me closer – when times are good and when times are ‘bad’. I must sing of my Redeemer. A joyful heart singing My Redeemer lives and He is my God leading me always. I am His and He is mine.
In all situations I must do what is right and true. People of integrity seeking justice for one another. God’s way. The right way. Putting His Word into action always in all things. The joy of the Lord God is our/my strength.
And encourage one another .
1 Guide me, O my great Redeemer,
pilgrim through this barren land;
I am weak, but you are mighty;
hold me with your powerful hand.
Bread of heaven, bread of heaven,
feed me now and evermore,
feed me now and evermore.
2 Open now the crystal fountain,
where the healing waters flow.
Let the fire and cloudy pillar
lead me all my journey through.
Strong Deliverer, strong Deliverer,
ever be my strength and shield,
ever be my strength and shield.
3 When I tread the verge of Jordan,
bid my anxious fears subside.
Death of death, and hell’s Destruction,
land me safe on Canaan’s side.
Songs of praises, songs of praises
I will ever sing to you,
I will ever sing to you.