One of the greatest displays of God’s power is the testimony of a saint who is praising God in the midst of a dark trial.
In Acts Chapter 16, Paul and Silas are stripped, beaten, and thrown into “the inner cell” of a Roman prison. Their feet were shackled and a jailer was commanded to “guard them carefully.” The scriptures tell us that, “About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them.”
Paul and Silas could not know what was in their immediate future. But, they did know that God would not leave them in that cold, dark prison cell all alone. His Holy Spirit would be with them. As they called upon their God and sang praises out loud with hearts full of faith something very beautiful was taking place. The joy of the Lord was welling up in them. Trapped in a crowded, damp, and dark prison, Paul and Silas, with nothing external to provide comfort, proclaimed the goodness of God over their circumstances. They did all of this in the presence and hearing of those who needed to hear that “Jesus saves.”
The scriptures go on to say that,“Suddenly there was such a violent earthquake that the foundations of the prison were shaken. At once all the prison doors flew open, and everybody’s chains came loose. “ (Acts 16:26). Imagine that. Foundations are shaken. Prison doors are flung open. Chains fall to the ground. Nothing can hold back the power of God. A few verses later, the miracle of new life takes place and the jailer, once charged with guarding them so carefully, comes to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ.
Maybe you are like Paul and Silas facing your own “midnight.” Perhaps you are stuck in a situation that you think has you bound. Maybe you feel like your prison cell is your own mind. Do what Paul and Silas did. In holy defiance, pray to your Father. Declare His praises out loud. Remember the goodness and the faithfulness of your God and move, like Paul and Silas did, from prison to praise.
“”In the night I remember your name, O Lord” (Psalms 119:55a)
You know Christina, I truly will “trust in the Lord with all my heart and lean not on my own understandings, in all my ways submit to him, and he will make my paths straight.” Prov. 3:5-6 Thanks for this post.
Love,
Lisa
Great post. So timely. He always knows just what we need.
These are the lyrics & link to “I Bless your Name.” It is written by Elizabeth Goodine. Her voice is like an angel. This is Selah’s version (not Elizabeth singing) but it is still nonetheless beautiful.
LYRICS TO I BLESS YOUR NAME:
I Bless Your Name
In prisoners chains with bleeding stripes
Paul and Silas prayed that night
And in their pain began to see
Their chains were loosed and they were free
I bless your name
I bless your name
I give you honor, give you praise
You are the life, the truth, the way
I bless your name
Some midnight hour if you should find
You’re in a prison of your mind
Reach out praise, defy those chains
And they will fall in Jesus? name
I bless your name
I bless your name
I give you honor, give you praise
You are the life, the truth, the way
I bless your name
LINK TO PURCHASE “I BLESS YOUR NAME”:
http://www.amazon.com/I-Bless-Your-Name/dp/B0011WA9FW