CHAINS AND A HYMN
About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them. Suddenly there was such a violent earthquake that the foundations of the prison were shaken. At once all the prison doors flew open, and everyone’s chains came loose. The jailer woke up, and when he saw the prison doors open, he drew his sword and was about to kill himself because he thought the prisoners had escaped. But Paul shouted, “Don’t harm yourself! We are all here!” The jailer called for lights, rushed in, and fell trembling before Paul and Silas. He then brought them out and asked, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?”
Acts 16:25-30 (NIV)
Paul and Silas found themselves in the darkest part of the prison, their feet chained, their bodies bruised, and their future uncertain. Yet, instead of crying out in anger or despair, they prayed and sang hymns to God. Their worship in the midst of injustice became a light in the darkness—not only for themselves but for everyone who heard them. When the earthquake came and the doors flew open, they could have run to freedom. But they stayed. Their focus wasn’t on escape—it was on obedience and trust. Because of that choice, the jailer and his whole family came to know Christ. What began as an act of worship in chains became the spark that ignited salvation, reaching generations beyond that prison cell.
There are times in my life when I have faced hardship or injustice and wonder why God doesn’t simply open the doors and let me go free. Sometimes He does—but sometimes He asks me to stay, to worship, and to trust that His plan is bigger than my deliverance. When we worship in the midst of pain, we declare that our faith isn’t dependent on our circumstances. Today, I know I can bring forth my petitions and requests to God with thanksgiving in my heart and a song in my voice, knowing that He has a plan.
APPLICATION: When you face difficult circumstances, pause to worship before you ask for deliverance. Remember that others may be listening to your response—your worship might point them to God. Trust that God’s plan through your trial may reach further than you could ever imagine.
PRAYER: Lord, teach me to worship You not only when life is easy, but when I feel trapped and weary. Help me to trust that You are working even in the darkest places. Use my praise to draw others to You and to shake the foundations of doubt and fear in my heart. Amen.
“… Our Father in heaven…” Matthew 6:9b (NLT)
- What do You want to say to me today as my Father?
“… may Your name be kept holy.” Matthew 6:9c (NLT)
- What do You want to reveal to me about Your power today?
“May Your Kingdom come soon.” Matthew 6:10a (NLT)
- Help me make Your priorities my priorities today.
“Give us today the food we need,” Matthew 6:11 (NLT)
- Is there anything specific You want me to do with my time or the people I’m around today?
“and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us” Matthew 6:12 (NLT)
- Reveal to me anyone I need to forgive or ask for forgiveness.
“And don’t let us yield to temptation…” Matthew 6:13a (NLT)
- Is there anywhere I’m vulnerable to temptation?