But at midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them. Acts 16:25

 When bad things happen, how do you respond? Paul and Silas just underwent a severe beating for their preaching God’s word. Locked up and shackled in a Roman jail, they began praising God. One might think it would be good to remain quiet as their speaking about Jesus got them beaten and locked up. But that wasn’t the case here and they continued praising God for His goodness, even in the moment of horrific pain.

 Suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken; and immediately all the doors were opened and everyone’s chains were loosed. Acts 16:26

 Great things happen when you make the choice to still praise God, even in the direst of circumstances. Here we see God caused the prison to shake, loosening Paul and Silas’s chains. As you continue reading verses 27-34, the jailer and his family accepted Jesus Christ and were saved, all because the disciples failed to let circumstances quench their spirit.

 You will encounter difficulties in life. It’s part of life and sometimes those difficulties burden you to the point you question God’s goodness. Take advice from Paul and Silas, keep praising God no matter what life throws at you! When you recognize God, through praise and worship, He is summoned to your difficulties and will loosen those chains that want to hold back your faith and belief in Him. As a child of God, you know better, and have put your faith in Him without doubting, because He is faithful and just and will continue to bless you when praising Him is all you have to offer. God bless!