What Song Are We Singing?

“About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them.” (Acts 16:25 NIV)

For anyone who pays attention to time–as we know it–it is always darkest at midnight, which is really the indicator of a new day. Think about it. We usually see the dawning of a new day when the sun rises in the east and we see it settling into its end at sunset in the west. Whether it is dark or light, time keeps moving forward to get to the next day.

If we were to view the challenges and problems in our lives as simply a moment in time, then we would be able to arise above the “feelings” of defeat, knowing that a new day is dawning and with it, new opportunities to achieve the success God has promised us. “Whatever you put your hands to, out of obedience, you will have good success.” What He said to Joshua still applies to us. When we are obedient, we must do something, not dwell in pity and caterwauling. 

Paul was obedient in promoting the Gospel and doing everything he knew was by unction of Holy Spirit. And because he was obedient, the naysayers–the arrogant and envious, and the greedy–found fault with him and he and Silas were beaten and thrown into jail. Now, they could have had a pity party and sat there singing “woe is me” songs and the other prisoners would have heard that, too. Instead, they sang songs of praise to God and prayed, believing they would be delivered, doubting nothing.

So, when the earthquake freed them from their chains, they could have taken off in the midst of confusion, but they chose to stay where they were. As a result of their decision, the jailer and all his household, chose to believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and were saved.

Would the other prisoners have seen the power of God at work had they been singing sad songs? Had they muttered and grumbled, would their shackles have been broken? When we face challenges and trouble seems to know our address by heart, what songs are we singing? Are our lips and tongue saying what aligns with The Word or what aligns with the moment–our feelings?

Our reaction to challenges and troubles will determine whether we see the new day dawning with a new attitude and new mercies or whether we sink deeper into despair, not realizing that time moves forward whether it is dark or light outside. A new day, a new opportunity, new mercies each morning–thinking on the promises of God, not the darkness, creates an inner light within us and we know we can get to the next day.

What are we doing in the midnight hours of our life? Are shackles being broken or are the depths of despair shoveling deeper, preparing to bury us alive? Make sure our song and communication align with The Word and even in our midnights–hope in Jesus Christ will sustain us and because others will hear and see what we do, they will understand the power of God and believe.

Advertisement

Who Do You Trust?

“Those who trust in the LORD are like Mount Zion, which cannot be shaken but endures forever” (Psalm 125:1 NIV).

Most mountains won’t budge of themselves, but we have witnessed mountains being re-conformed whenever it suits man–for their purposes.  More specifically, I’m thinking about the mountains in West Virginia that have been carved out for highways, bridges–all for the benefit of man–with man-made equipment (explosives and bulldozers). So, when I read this verse, I get an understanding about the endurance of a mountain–as long as we leave them alone.

Of course, there are some instances in which earthquakes have caused mountains to shift and rocks to slide, but the base of mountain–for the most part remains intact. I say this without knowing the full destruction of every earthquake and I’m simply trying to make a point. The point is–we should be like the mountains–steadfast, immoveable, unshakeable when we our trust is in God.

However, when we “quake” at the negative reports–from doctors, the media, whoever; the implication is that we cannot be trusting God and are relying upon either our trust in man or self. Can we really trust in ourselves? Are we infallible beings worthy of trust? Or are we just as fickle as the next person, constantly changing our minds, our values, our morals–just to go along to get along? What have we done that makes us think we are trustworthy? How do we know we cannot trust self or others for any extensive time? Look at our reactions to an economy out of control.  Look at our reactions to the news reports that seldom report anything positive.  Look at what we do in front of our children and then expect them to do something better. Look at how we treat each other–with hatred and disdain and then expect someone to love us. This is what happens when we “trust” us and others.

Trust in the Lord! Commit all your ways unto Him and allow Him to direct your paths. Submit to God, resist the devil and the devil and all his demons will flee. Trust in the report of the Lord when doctors tell you you’re never going to get well. The Lord’s report says, “we are healed by His stripes.” When watching the news, remember what the Lord has said: “These things must come to pass, but the end is not yet.”

Trust God to keep all of His promises and never quake in a moment of doubt.  Stand firm in your trust and commitment to God and watch Him work things out in your favor. Be like the mountain–unshakeable in the midst of turmoil and don’t let man’s ideas, plans and thoughts re-conform you! Know–don’t just believe–know that God will do whatever He said He will do–to His glory and our benefit!