Worship In The Midst Of Suffering
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
Paul and Silas were suffering in prison when they experienced a supernatural move from God. In the midst of discomfort and darkness, they chose to pray and worship God. They didn’t focus on the negative things that they went through. Instead, they set their eyes on Him and chose to praise Him. What they did became a source of hope to the prisoners who were there.
One crucial lesson from Paul and Silas’ lives is their unwavering faith in the face of adversity. They knew God intimately and no longer relied on their own strength. Their hope was firmly anchored in God, and they believed and trusted Him. This trust in God provided them with a sense of security.
Sometimes, when we go through storms in life, the first thing we do is complain and ask God questions. We treat our situation as something bigger than His love. We tend to focus on what’s wrong rather than fixing our eyes on Him. And this verse is a beautiful reminder for all of us. Just like Paul and Silas, let’s choose to pray and worship God even while suffering. Let’s remind ourselves that God is more powerful than the problems we are facing.
Worship will serve as a weapon that will protect us from the lies of the enemy. We worship Him and remind ourselves that God is our Ruler and King. He is worthy to be praised, especially in moments of pain. We rejoice in His presence because, in Him, we find true love and everlasting life.
Perhaps, Paul and Silas treated God as the center of their lives. That’s why, whenever they experience suffering, they always come back in His presence and worship Him. They knew that their pain was nothing compared to the glory that God would soon reveal to them.
Prayer: Father God, thank you so much for reminding me to trust in you, especially when I’m suffering. Thank you for the lives of Paul and Silas, who taught me how to believe and trust in you despite what I am going through. Please continue to remind me, my Lord, to do the right thing and follow your ways. Teach me how to worship you even when I’m in pain. This I ask, and pray, in Jesus’ Name, amen.
