Acts 16:25-26 - Worship or worry

Scripture:

 

Acts 16:25-26

25 But about midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns of praise to God, and the prisoners were listening to them;

26 and suddenly there came a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison house were shaken; and immediately all the doors were opened and everyone's chains were unfastened.
NASU

 

 

Thoughts:

 

It's amazing after being beaten and imprisoned (verse 23), Paul and Silas sing hymns to the Lord!  (verse 25)  We don't know precisely what they prayed and sang, but it was worship, "hymns of praise to God."  It's amazing just to see the effect it had on the other prisoners:  when the doors of the prison fly open and their chains fall off (verse 26), they don't try to run away (verse 28)!

Acts 16:28

28 But Paul cried out with a loud voice, saying, "Do not harm yourself, for we are all here!"
NASU

Whatever Paul and Silas were praying as they worshipped, it had a calming effect on the others.  It's doubtful that prayers rife with anxiety and devoid of faith in God would have had this effect!  It seems more likely that these were faith-filled prayers, prayers of trust in God.

 

The story goes on as they first have their wounds cared for by the jailer (verse 33) and then are set free the next day (verse 35). 

Acts 16:33-35

33 And he took them that very hour of the night and washed their wounds, and immediately he was baptized, he and all his household. 

34 And he brought them into his house and set food before them, and rejoiced greatly, having believed in God with his whole household.

35 Now when day came, the chief magistrates sent their policemen, saying, "Release those men."
NASU

 

Isn't it amazing how prison chains don't hinder God?  He uses impossible situations to reveal His power, authority, and mercy, and to get glory.

 

In light of this, I wonder about how I might have responded to the same circumstances?  Paul and Silas appear to have responded with faith and worship, would we have responded this way?  Or would we have been consumed with worry over what was going to happen next?  Would we be worried over whether we'd be killed or left to rot in prison?  Or would we have faith in God, that He was going to care for us and accomplish His will, whatever way things went?  We have no hard and fast indication that Paul and Silas knew they were going to be released, but whatever end faced them, they were facing it in faith, it seems clear.

 

 

Prayer:

 

Lord, the prison I usually find myself in, is stress in my day-to-day life.  Worrying about work or family situations, or maybe just the future, in general.  In those times where I feel overwhelmed, let me worship You there, instead of worrying.  You can still throw open prison doors and knock off chains!  Thank You that You so often do! 

 

Amen

Scripture quotations taken from the NASB.