Experiencing God's Power (II)

Memory Verse: "And having laid many stripes upon them they cast [them] into prison, charging the jailor to keep them safely; who, having received such a charge, cast them into the inner prison, and secured their feet to the stocks. And at midnight Paul and Silas, in praying, were praising God with singing, and the prisoners listened to them. And suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison shook, and all the doors were immediately opened, and the bonds of all loosed." (Acts 16-23-26, DARBY)

Scripture Reading: 2 Chron.20:1-30.

The story of Paul and Silas in prison is one of the most popular bible stories in history and every time I study these verses (including the text for our Scripture Reading), I am reminded of the power embedded in Praise.

If there is one thing I know praise will do for a believer amongst other things, it is that, it elevates us into God's presence and power.

Look at Paul and Silas, besides the trauma of the severe beating, they were fastened to stocks which clamped their arms and legs in an immobile position. The atmosphere there was depressing. According to the standards of their day, a prison was more like the resemblance of a dungeon. 

This condition describes the situation of some us. We may not be confined to a physical prison as it were but our situations are prison-like and they have rendered us immobile.

Paul and Silas may have been immobile but their praise wasn't. 

In spite of the throbbing pain in their bodies and the disheartening atmosphere, at midnight (a time when storms, pains and darkness is usually at its peak), Paul and Silas were heard praying and singing praises to God! What a strange sound this must have been to other prisoners, who were used to only hearing groans and cursing of those who had been beaten.

Then suddenly, there was an earthquake that shook the prison! The doors flung open, and amazingly, the bonds of Paul, Silas, and every other prisoner were released! What caused thus mighty discharge of power?

Praise. Heart-felt praise. It will quake the door of any prison-like situation it's up against.

Paul and Silas knew the secret of how to lift their hearts above their troubles and enter into God's presence and power. Through praise and worship, their hearts were raised into the joyous presence and peace of God, and this provided a channel for His power to operate in their circumstances.

Praise is an expression of faith, and a declaration of victory! It declares that we believe God is with us and is in control of the outcome of all our circumstances.

This is true because God dwells in the atmosphere of faith. And since praise manifests God's presence, we also realize that praise repels the presence of the enemy. An atmosphere which is filled with sincere worship and praise to God by humble and contrite hearts is disgusting to the Devil.

When God's people begin to praise His name, it sends the enemy running (see 2 Chron.20:22).

I challenge you to become a person of praise, and you will experience the release of God's power. Remember, praise to God is a lifestyle. It should be intermingled as part of our daily prayer life. At work, in the car, at home in bed, or anywhere; praise to the Lord brings the refreshing of the Lord's presence along with His power and anointing.

Ponder Point: If you need a handbook on praise, read the book of Psalms.

Action Point: Become a person of praise.

Prayer Point: Praise [and worship] as led.