February 28, 2021 PRAYING AND SINGING IN PRISON
Acts 16:25 “And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them.”
If this scripture read ‘Paul and Silas prayed in prison’, we could certainly understand that and we would be quick to agree that if we were in prison, we would also pray. However, we may not be able to get our mind around the fact that they also sang praises to God in addition to praying. To add to this, the prison they were in was no Holiday Inn, but was, to say the least, deplorable. To discover the reason, or to know what it was that caused them to sing in a dark prison would obviously have a great impact on the lives of countless believers today. I think it is safe to say that as believers today, particularly in the western world, we are missing something. Whatever power or whatever truth lead to singing in prison, is the same power or truth that led to these early believers being accused of turning the world upside down, and it is the same power or truth that caused believers to count it a privilege to suffer for Christ, even willing to be devoured by wild beast for the cause of Christ. Acts 17:6. Also, this same power and truth was the force that spread the gospel throughout the world. There are no three easy steps that lead to such a power. To try to put it into perspective, we know that the early believers lived in extremely difficult days and had little or no reason for hope, except in God; perhaps that is one of the keys. As we read the scriptures, it becomes clear that God reveals Himself to those who seek Him first with all of their heart; to put it another way, to those who desire Him above everything else. One can come to know God only because it is God who first draws one to Himself. A starting point for us, no matter our background or not matter what culture we live in, is to be sensitive to and respond to the drawing of God and to turn our affection and heart to God. It is critical that we read His word because He gave us His word that we might learn of Him. (How will we get to know Him if we do not get familiar with His word?) The good news is that we too can know the joy and the power of the Lord in any circumstances just as Paul and Silas did. We will experience suffering and difficulties during this life, but in the midst of the sufferings and difficulties, we can experience the presence of the Lord. At the depth of our being, we can know the joy of the Lord. Let us take the time to read the word of God that we might learn of Him.
Psalm 5:11 “But let all who take refuge in You rejoice; let them ever sing for joy, and spread Your protection over them, that those who love Your name may exult in You.”
Romans 15:13 “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit, you may abound in hope.”
Blessings,
Buddy
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