Praise regardless

Imagine the worst possible prison. Worse than that is the 'inner prison', where Jesus' followers Paul and Silas were. Prisoners were flogged, and their ankles and wrists placed in strong irons to keep them from moving. No change of clothes ever. No water and no bathroom. In the midst of these inhumane conditions, Paul and Silas sang praises to God: 'Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening' (Acts 16:25 NLT). Those other prisoners probably thought Paul and Silas were insane when they first started singing, but soon they'd get curious. Seriously, read the story... the prison doors flew open as they lifted up a song to God.

How could someone have joy in the midst of such pain? Paul wrote, 'I know that your prayers and the help that comes from the Spirit of Christ Jesus will keep me safe... Whether I live or die, I always want to be as brave as I am now and bring honour to Christ. If I live, it will be for Christ, and if I die, I will gain even more' (Philippians 1:19-21 CEV).

Paul found his strength in God. Paul knew that, no matter what happened, God wins in the end. So, forgetting himself and his circumstances, he praised Jesus and put his faith in him.



So what now? You're probably not in a wet, dark prison, but in your hard times, praise God and see what happens when you find your strength in him.





— SCRIPTURE —

'If I live, it will be for Christ.' Philippians 1:21 CEV
— SOULFOOD —

Lev 23:15-22, John 14:15-18, Acts 2:1-18