Recently, a few of my friends have been going through some pretty tough stuff in their lives. It seemed as if they just got through a certain struggle, only to discover that the battle had only just begun. I know that this has been the case in my life recently as well. And I know that all who are reading this right now are going through some sort of battle, whether that be with relationships, struggle with sin, etc. everyone has their own. But even in the midst of the pain and darkness, there is still a reason to praise God. And this is exactly what I wanted to talk about today.
There are many examples throughout both the Old and New Testaments of great men/women of faith, who despite their struggles, have sung praises unto the Most High. But perhaps the best example I can think of this is the story of Paul and Silas in Acts 16.
Paul had just recently departed on his second missionary journey around Asia Minor and Greece. He had just arrived at a city called Philippi, where he was able to share the Gospel with many hungry hearts. There was a certain slave-girl who could "predict the future". We are not told why this girl was doing this, only that she was possessed by a demon. Paul then got fed up with the demon and said "In the name of Jesus Christ I command you to come out of her!" The spirit had no choice but to listen and obey.
However, the slave's owners seen that they would be out of a way of profit (for they were using her possession as a means to gain money), and took Paul and Silas to the local court, where they were sentenced to prison. After they were stripped, beaten, flogged, and had their feet bound up, they prayed and sung hymns to God (note that Luke mentions that "the prisoners heard them" we will come back to this). As a result of their faith, God sent an earthquake that would end up providing them with freedom, and would result in the salvation of the prison guard and his whole family.
Now that we have the long background laid out, I can give you this very, very short message, haha :P
- Just like Paul and Silas... bad things may come our way, and we may feel like we're in a "prison". Whether it was ourselves, somebody else, or circumstance that put us there it does not matter, we are still hurting. But please remember that God cares deeply for you, and hurts when you hurt. (Isaiah 63:9)
- Just like Paul and Silas... you will always have a reason to praise God for His great love and providence in your life. (Romans 8:28)
- Just like Paul and Silas... by your faithfulness in the midst of pain and confusion, God will breakthrough and perform wonders in your life that will result in your deliverance. (Acts 16:26)
- Just like Paul and Silas... when you suffer, you are given a great opportunity to both glorify God and save both those who are around you and even the one who was your "enemy". (Acts 16:25-34)
When the dark clouds of life cast a shadow over all you know, sing until the Son shines through.
P.S. While writing this, a close friend of mine sent me a text: "Psalm 136:23"
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