Joyful Ruins

Acts 16:25-32

When Paul and Silas choose to praise God in the midst of dark circumstances, the earth shakes, prison doors open, shackles fall.

Paul and Silas weren’t just shackled to a prison cell but they had been severely flogged. They were most likely in intense pain, exhausted, weak, and hungry. Not only were they in a dark situation, emotionally, and spiritually, but they were also in literal darkness. About midnight, they began praising and praying. Late into the dark night, they chose to trust the Lord and praise Him.

What really stands out to me this time in my reading are the open doors. Through their praise, their prison doors have been opened! Yet, they do not physically walk through the open doors. They stay and bring the jailer to faith.

This reminds me that our dark circumstances matter, they matter when we choose to praise God in the midst of them. That praise can open doors, not just for our own freedom, but our praise can open doors to others’ freedom.

Do not underestimate the power of your praise and prayer.