WHEN WE PRAISE

When nine-year-old Will was kidnapped from his front garden he sang his favourite praise song over and over again. During the three-hour abduction, Will ignored the kidnapper every time he told him to be quiet as they drove around. Eventually, the kidnapper let Will out of the car unharmed. Later, Will said that he felt his fear turn into peace as he sang, while the kidnapper seemed to just get more and more agitated.

Will’s reaction to his scary situation reminds me of a situation Paul and Silas found themselves in. After being beaten and thrown into jail, they reacted by “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” (ACTS 16:25-26).

When he saw this awesome display of power, the jailer believed in the God of Paul and Silas, and his entire household was baptised along with him (V V.27-34). Through their praise, both physical and spiritual chains were broken that night.

When we’re in trouble, we may not always experience such a dramatic rescue like Paul and Silas, or like Will. But we know that God answers the praises of His people! When we focus on Him, through our prayers and songs, He gives us His peace and strength for what lies ahead.

Thinking it over . . .

What lessons do you learn from Paul and Silas’ decision to sing praise to God during their imprisonment? How do you normally react when things are going wrong? What can you do to copy their attitude when times are hard?