Scripture:
Acts 16:25-28 NKJV
[25] But at midnight, Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them. [26] Suddenly, there was a great earthquake, so the foundations of the prison were shaken; and immediately all the doors were opened and everyone’s chains were loosed. [27] And the keeper of the prison, waking from sleep and seeing the prison doors open, supposing the prisoners had fled, drew his sword and was about to kill himself. [28] But Paul called with a loud voice, saying, “Do yourself no harm, for we are all here.”
Observation:
Sometimes, finding what the Holy Spirit wants me to write about is one of the hardest parts of this process. Paul is always a good go-to because he gave us so much valuable information and examples of how to live. Writing a lot of his letters from my prison cell, yet doing it with joy, seemed to be a regular practice for him. The book of Acts is the story of how the church really got started and the missionary trips it took to get it off the ground. Most of which Paul is responsible for. Not only did he walk thousands of miles, but he sat in many jail cells all for you and me to read his letters many, many years later. On this night, we find him and his ministry partner sitting in a cell to spread the gospel. Knowing that they would be there a while, they settled in for a night of worship. Yes… worship. I know it seems like it would be hard due to the circumstances. Being locked up and all. But Paul and Silas had to make the best of a bad situation. Singing songs and praising the one who created them was the best way to turn a bad situation into a place of peace. As they lifted up their voices and thoughts to the LORD, something amazing happened. The ground that they were sitting on began to shake, and the chains that held them captive fell to the ground. The prison doors were swung open. A worldly type of freedom was at hand. With the ability to get up and walk out, Paul and Silas chose to stay. As soon as the guard saw the doors open, he assumed all the prisoners were gone. But that was not the case as he drew his sword to end his life. Paul spoke up to let him know that even though they had the opportunity to escape, they chose not to. Knowing that GOD had a plan for them despite the struggle they were facing at the time.
Application:
I know… it doesn’t make sense… but I’m telling you it works. I can’t tell you how many times I have been in a bad situation, and all I have to do is refocus my mind on the LORD and how truly good HE is and it seems like the whole situation changes in seconds. Don’t get me wrong, actual prison doors have never blown open for me, but I have had peace within me, knowing that the GOD who created me was in complete control. I really like the way James brings out this principle. “Counts all joy when you face many.” In other words, worship when it doesn’t make sense. Don’t let the situation get the best of you. Give the glory to GOD in all circumstances. Knowing that HIS plan is perfect. We can not see the whole picture and never really know what HE is doing behind the scenes. A little worship may make the chains that seem to bind you fall to the ground. This much I do know will change your focus, and knowing that HE is in control will allow you to see that no matter what, the situation is temporary. There is a next. Whether it’s on this earth or in the afterlife, there is always something after this. The question becomes, what are you going to allow to have your focus? When I focus on the situation, the situation gets overwhelming, but when I focus on the LORD, the LORD overwhelms the situation, and I am set free from the bondage of stress and anxiety about it. So, just a little part of my life, I wanted to share. I have been in a jail cell, not knowing when I would get out or even if I would get out… believe me, there is no worse feeling than that. Anxiety about all the things you will miss starts to run through your head, and the chains of regret and remorse start to become too much. You can get to a point where you think, and the door slams shut over and over again. The only way to get free is in your mind. So, focusing on the Father and worshiping HIM is all you can do to maintain any kind of sanity. It seems to make you forget the situation and remember HE has a plan. It gives you the desire to seek HIM like you should have all along. In the 29th chapter of Jeremiah, it says you will find me when you seek me with all your heart. We usually seek HIM when things fall apart. Let’s learn how to seek HIM in all things at all times. Maybe then we won’t have to feel that hopelessness when the door slams shut.
Prayer:
Father, we know that you have guided us in every step we have taken. Even if those steps have led us to a situation where all we can do is worship you. Today, as we sit in our freedom, help us to stay mindful of worshiping you not just in the hard times but all the time. We do not want to get overwhelmed by any situation that is in our lives. We want to be overwhelmed with you… with love and adoration for you. We just want to worship you always and in all things. Knowing that your plan is perfect. You have taught us how to seek your face through our hard times. We just want to do it all the time. We want to keep our focus on you. So help us to fix our eyes our thoughts and our actions totally on you. It’s in the mighty name of Jesus I pray amen.