Worship through it

The apostles Paul and Silas had their feet locked in stocks, their backs lacerated with whips and the contempt of society heaped upon them, but the Bible says, 'At midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God' (Acts 16:25 NKJV). They decided to stop focusing on their circumstances and instead focus on the goodness of God. They could have complained, but they made a choice to worship God despite their imprisonment. And that's often the most challenging and crucial choice we can make.

The sacrifice of praise is similar to hitting the refresh key on the computer; it restores the joy of our salvation, recalibrates our spirit and renews our mind. And it empowers us to discover something good to praise God about, even when things are going wrong. It isn't easy. But one of the purest forms of worship is praising God when we don't want to. 'Let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to his name' (Hebrews 13:15 NKJV). Notice the words 'sacrifice of praise'.

It's sacrifice - in this case, praise - that moves God and brings results: 'Suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken; and immediately all the doors were opened and everyone's chains were loosed' (Acts 16:26 NKJV).



So what now? When you're in a situation with no way out, praise opens doors. When you're shackled by lack and limitation, praise breaks chains. So, worship your way through it.





— SCRIPTURE —

'About midnight [they] were praying and singing.' Acts 16:25 NCV
— SOULFOOD —

Jer 1-3, Mark 14:66-72, Ps 144:1-8, Pro 14:1-4