THE STORY OF JESUS: 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 the doors.
The jailer and his family are converted because of this radical faith.
There’s a lot going on in this story, but what grabs 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.
This reminds me of his letter to the Philippians, also written in prison.
Joy is mentioned more often in that letter than any other.
“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!” (Philippians 4:4)
To find joy in chains, I need to change my focus and my way of thinking.
But what exactly does that mean, and how can I do it?
Maybe it can start by my singing in my dark places.
What do you sense the Lord saying to you?
PRAYER
Lord, remind me of the words to sing when I am in the dark. May others see You through me, as I praise You through my chains.