"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" - Acts 16:25-26 (NIV).
A prison is normally any confined place where one is held in custody with limited access to people and normal comforts. Prisons can serve the purpose of punishment for certain wrongs committed and possibly yield repentance and a commitment to reform. Prisons are definitely nasty experience and depending on where one is some might even involve gross acts of misconduct unleashed by terrible prison warders. Most of us would rather avoid a prison, if we can.
If one is ever in prison the hours can be long and the days endless. Prisons are often confined places with poor light and ventilation, and there is a lot one can grieve over.
What do you do when you find yourself in a prison? When the Apostle Paul and his companion Silas found themselves held in one prison for preaching Good News other than pout and question God for letting them be imprisoned, instead they focused on "praying and singing hymns to God" unlike other prisoners. It is through these circumstance, of having an attitude of praise, when everything seemed closed on them; that God came through and loosened the chains holding them down.
There are many other types of prisons other than being held behind confined walls. Loneliness can be a form of prison where one lacks normal company to share life with. It is possible for someone to be surrounded by others yet not share much in common. Certain trials can be a form of prison with life bringing little to cheer.
Through the example of Paul and Silas we know a prison experience can be overcome by "prayer and praise!" What prison are you locked in- may the good Lord give you the grace to "pray and praise" even when down and He will bring down those walls.
Prayer for today: Lord Father God of Abraham, maker of heaven and earth, today I pray that whatever the prison I find myself in, I may pray and praise you, waiting on you to bring down the prison walls and set me free, this I pray in Jesus name.
Related upcoming events
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04/05/2024 - 05/05/2024 All day“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid nor be dismayed, for the Lord your good is with you wherever you go.” (Joshua, 1:9 NKJV)
Self doubt is common to any life. Sometimes it can be a result of a challenge one is about to face. After Moses had passed on, Joshua knew he was succeeding a giant to lead the people of Israel to the Promised land. When someone succeeds a great leader there is bound to be comparison, a bit of which might be unfair and disheartening. As we see in this case, the mission was yet to be completed. If anyone, Joshua wouldn’t mind some encouragement.
Joshua would receive the encouragement he needed from God. He was assured that God Himself had chosen him to succeed Moses and take on the uncompleted task. God assured Joshua through His word that He would be with him. Joshua had had enough experiences to know that God’s promise was unfailing. After Moses sent out the twelve spies to explore the land the Israelis were about to invade, he and Caleb were the only two who believed that because of faith in God they could overcome the giants they saw (Numbers 13).
Today, any of us may be facing a task no less overwhelming from our experience as Joshua faced. Perhaps we have taken on a momentous office. We could be setting on a journey of undetermined length. Maybe there is a challenge that has just risen up from nowhere and we seemed all submerged.
The words God gave Joshua, his servant, should be of encouragement to us. Just as God commanded Joshua not to be afraid or dismayed, may we walk in that confidence.
Prayer for today: Lord Father God of Abraham, maker of heaven and earth, today whatever task I face, I look up to you, and hold on to the words you gave Joshua, not to be afraid or dismayed, for you are with me, this I pray in Jesus’ name.
