Praise in Prison

And suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken: and immediately all the doors were opened, and every one’s bands were loosed. Acts 16:26 KJV

I’ve never been to prison, jail, or anything like that. I have also never set foot in either of these. I know people that have been and honestly, I would never want to be imprisoned, however I have a burden for those in prison and/or jail.

What strikes me particularly about this passage of scripture, Paul and Silas were imprisoned wrongfully. Sometimes we find ourselves there. Imprisoned. Trapped. Sometimes a prisoner of our own minds, deeds. Oppressed. This is not where God wants us. He wants us to be free. Live in His light and liberty that the shed blood of Jesus afforded us.

Still, sometimes we find ourselves snared.

We all know the story. Paul and Silas praised God in the middle of their awful, unjust circumstances. This is not always the easiest thing to do. It’s not always easy to not look at our circumstances and ask God why? It’s not always easy to praise God in the middle of our hard times. Nevertheless, Paul and Silas praised God. And the God of suddenlies intervened. He shook the foundation of the prison, opened the doors, and loosed the bands of bondage.

It’s a lesson I must learn over and over again, honestly. When I lift my eyes from my circumstances to Christ and learn to praise Him despite my circumstances, He moves suddenly. He delivers me, sets me free.

We live in a time where everyone seems to be going through/dealing with something. Let me encourage you today, as I encourage myself, let’s praise God while we’re in the thick of it. This will allow God to move suddenly.

*Original Image by Kaybee05