Praise and Worship in Prison
Paul and Silas were beaten with rods and put into prison in Philippi, after Paul cast the demon out of young lady, which made her owners upset with their preaching. They were put into the inner prison, and their feet were fastened into the stocks. I can't imagine how uncomfortable this was for them after being beaten so badly. However, when midnight came to the prison, Paul and Silas were praying out loud and singing hymns to God. The rest of the prisoners were all listening to them as they praised God. (Acts 16:24,25) Their thankfulness and devotion to God flowed out of their hearts, even during the worst of circumstances.
I wonder how many of us find it difficult to pray and to sing praises to God in the best of circumstances? We may complain if the temperature of the room is not just right or the music does not suit us very well. Our minds wander to other things, instead of focusing on the grace and goodness of the Lord Jesus. Why do we find it difficult? Worship is a matter of the heart. Our location and the type of music have very little to do with the quality of our worship. If our hearts are set on the Lord, and if they are filled with love for Him, because of His great love and sacrifice for us, then, we will worship well, whether we are alone, with a small group in a home, or in a congregation of believers with musical accompaniment. I pray that we would all learn this important truth, so that we can pour out our hearts to the Lord freely, because He deserves all of our praise and worship. Also, He blesses us when we have pure hearts and we obey His commands to honor Him with the fruit of our lips. Besides all of this, just think of the witness they were to the other prisoners, and what our effect will be on those who are with us as we worship.
Tomorrow, I intend to read Acts 17-19.
I wonder how many of us find it difficult to pray and to sing praises to God in the best of circumstances? We may complain if the temperature of the room is not just right or the music does not suit us very well. Our minds wander to other things, instead of focusing on the grace and goodness of the Lord Jesus. Why do we find it difficult? Worship is a matter of the heart. Our location and the type of music have very little to do with the quality of our worship. If our hearts are set on the Lord, and if they are filled with love for Him, because of His great love and sacrifice for us, then, we will worship well, whether we are alone, with a small group in a home, or in a congregation of believers with musical accompaniment. I pray that we would all learn this important truth, so that we can pour out our hearts to the Lord freely, because He deserves all of our praise and worship. Also, He blesses us when we have pure hearts and we obey His commands to honor Him with the fruit of our lips. Besides all of this, just think of the witness they were to the other prisoners, and what our effect will be on those who are with us as we worship.
Tomorrow, I intend to read Acts 17-19.