And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them. – Acts 16:25
The morning, just breaking, was sending soft beams of sunlight throughout the quiet hospital. Most of those in recovery were still sleeping. Then, as the daylight became more noticeable, a lovely peaceful sound softly rose from the depths of the building. It sounded like angels singing praises to God in a heavenly choir. Some patients, upon hearing the beautiful songs, shook themselves wondering if they were dreaming, but those who had been patients before knew it was the morning staff nurses welcoming the day by singing praises to the Lord. I had just delivered a healthy baby and was thrilled as I listened to their voices. The spirit surrounding their singing was wonderful. I felt renewed and refreshed by it.
Paul and Silas were two others who loved to sing. They sang because their hearts overflowed with thanksgiving to God. However, Paul and Silas were imprisoned for obeying the Lord. These faithful servants could have complained to God about how unfair it was to be punished for doing His will, but they had no regrets. Praise continually flowed from their hearts. As they sang, all the prisoners heard them. It must have caused quite a commotion in the place! Some of the men may have been sleeping and awoke to hear glorious hymns. The praise from the prison reached Heaven, and God caused an earthquake to occur. All the doors of the prison were opened and every prisoner’s chains came loose. The jailer and his whole house were saved as a result of these men of God praising the Lord in their trying situation.
When we are suffering or have been falsely accused, maybe even punished for something we did not do, can we rejoice and praise the Lord also? The power of God’s Spirit comes into action when we offer thanksgiving to Him. The next time we find ourselves in a prison of pain or sorrow, let’s sing praises to God. When we do, wonderful things will begin to happen. Praises unlock the storehouse of Heaven, making cell doors open, captive hearts free, and hurting souls find comfort and rest.