Acts 16:24-26 (New International Version)
24Upon receiving such orders, he put them in the inner cell and fastened their feet in the stocks.
25About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them. 26Suddenly there was such a violent earthquake that the foundations of the prison were shaken. At once all the prison doors flew open, and everybody's chains came loose.
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Psalm 42 vs. 8 by AngelsasHeartWork
A true heart of worship is seen in this passage. I am not sure that I would have had the guts, or the strength, to worship in this situation. Paul and Silas were in jail, and they were innocent. They had just been beaten badly, and must have been in much pain. Not only were their bodies probably hurting, but their hearts and souls as well. I can't imagine being thrown in jail having done nothing wrong, and then being beaten half to death. I would probably be discouraged, upset, maybe even mad at God. But Paul and Silas, they decided to worship Him even in the midst of this awful situation. Notice I said they decided! Worship is a choice, attitude is a choice. They set their minds on Jesus and sang songs of praise to their Lord and Savior. They did not expect that their worship would set them free, they did it out of love to their God. And then they were set free. Once we decide to worship, in the midst of any nasty situation we are in, then we are free. Even if God does not free us immediately from our situation, we are set free in the Spirit. Our attitude of worship will change our outlook on the situation and we will listen to God's voice and directions. It is hard, yes, but it is what pleases our Lord and it can make a vast difference in our situations. Worship Him because He is HIM. I don't worship Him just to get His attention so He can get me out of my bad situation. I worship Him because I love Him! I love Him because He is my Lord and my All, not because of what He can do for me. And I'm blessed for it.
by Anastasia Watson of mattscraftywife.