PLEASE READ THIS FIRST: Acts 16:25-40
What do you sense the Lord saying to you in this passage?
“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.
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.
“he was filled with joy because he had come to believe in God—he and his whole household.” This jailer was ready to commit suicide because he thought for sure he was going to be killed for letting the prisoners escape – even with the unusual circumstance of an earthquake – yet he saw hope- and he came running to Paul and Silas – he knew and experienced a real awakening – a new life. And now he is beyond himself with joy – for himself and for his family! What a turnaround – but also for Paul and Silas – now they are being begged by the magistrates to leave – so they do and return to Lydia – to the new community of believers. I am sure there were a lot of people hearing the unbelievable stores – also from the jailer and his family! Now the announcements from the slave girls will also tweak a memory for some – enough to find out more and join the new church!
When do I talk to God? In the good times or the bad times?
At all times I need to talk to Him and praise His name.
At all times He is present.
Jesus Saviour pilot me me.
1 Jesus, Jesus,
Jesus in the morning,
Jesus in the noontime;
Jesus, Jesus,
Jesus when the sun goes down!
2 Praise Him, Praise Him,
Praise Him in the morning,
Praise Him in the noontime;
Praise Him, Praise Him,
Praise Him when the sun goes down!
3 Love Him, Love Him,
Love Him in the morning,
Love Him in the noontime;
Love Him, Love Him,
Love Him when the sun goes down!
4 Serve Him, Serve Him,
Serve Him in the morning,
Serve Him in the noontime;
Serve Him, Serve Him,
Serve Him when the sun goes down!
5 Jesus, Jesus,
Jesus in the morning,
Jesus in the noontime;
Jesus, Jesus,
Jesus when the sun goes down!