Acts Chapter 16: Verses 23-25 (NIV)
After they had been severely flogged, they were thrown into prison, and the jailer was commanded to guard them carefully. When he received these orders, he put them in the inner cell and fastened their feet in the stocks.
About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them.
The jailer took his instructions seriously and separated Paul and Silas from the other prisoners, chaining them up securely. After a severe flogging they must have also been in severe pain, yet it didn’t stop them praying and worshiping God. Perhaps it was the praise and worship that took their minds off their situation. They made a choice to carry on with their normal practice in the midst of trying circumstances. And the other prisoners took notice.
I think that is an example of why we should pray and praise God in our own difficult times. It takes our eyes away from ourselves, and lifts us up spiritually. We may, or may not see an immediate outcome as Paul and Silas did, but people will see how we are dealing with our circumstances and take note. Paul and Silas’ testimony in these circumstances had an impact on those round about them, and so can ours.
Dear Lord,
Help me to keep my focus on who You are and what You have done, no matter what circumstances I find myself in. You are always a good God who is always worthy of praise. I ask in Jesus’ Name. Amen.