+DEV+ Songs in Troubled Times

Date: August 9, 2009 9:02 PM
Topic: +DEV+ Songs in Troubled Times

Songs in Troubled Times

“After they had been severely flogged, they were thrown into prison. . . . About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God.” (Acts 16:23, 15)
Scripture Focus: Acts 16:16-34

Beaten and jailed for casting an evil spirit from a slave girl in the city of Philippi, Paul and Silas didn’t waste time bemoaning their fate. Instead, they chose to sing praises to God. The other prisoners listened, probably in amazement. God had obviously given the two men a song in their hearts that turned trouble into triumph! They became lights in that dark place.

The jailer and his family trusted in Christ that night. I wonder how many of the prisoners made the same decision because of the songs they had heard. When the doors flew open, not one man took advantage of the moment to escape. Perhaps they stayed to hear how to know God.

God gives each of His children a song of joy, not just in pleasant, happy times, but in times of deep and heartache and trouble. It’s a song for our help and encouragement, but also for demonstrating His love and grace in His children’s lives. People are watching and listening to see how our faith works in tough times. Can they hear it in your song?

Insight: Paul and Silas’ faith gave them a song in time of trouble. Their faith, expressed in song, brought an opportunity for salvation.