When we are going through a challenging time from loss, sickness, financial hardship or other trials we may think God is far away. Our thoughts may be sorrowful and full of anguish, or bitter about the turn our lives have taken.

We may pray to God for support, a change in circumstances or healing. Or we may even blame Him for not protecting us from these difficulties. We may think this shouldn’t happen to us, as we are Christians, and it’s not right!

However, God never promised that our lives would be “perfect” whatever perfect really means. In John 16 he tells us we will weep and mourn, and we will have trouble in this world. Yet, he also said our grief will turn to joy and to take heart because He has overcome the world.

I have always been amazed and impressed with Paul and Silas’ fortitude, praising and worshiping the Lord while bound and chained in prison:

About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them. Suddenly there was such a violent earthquake that the foundations of the prison were shaken. At once all the prison doors flew open, and everyone’s chains came loose.

Acts 16:25-26 NIV

There was an incredible outcome from that praise and joyful singing in such difficult circumstances. The jailer and all his household were saved. Unfortunately, the bible doesn’t mention the influence it must have had on the other prisoners. I believe it would have been profound. In the scripture it says no-one had escaped, even though all the prison doors had swung open and their chains had been loosened. Why didn’t the other prisoners try to escape? Were they so gripped by the presence of God that they forgot to run away? I wonder how many souls were saved that night by Paul and Silas’ unexpected response to incarceration?

The bible says God inhabits the praises of His people (Ps 22:3 KJV). He is enthroned on our praises. Our praises are irresistible to Him.

When things are tough, the best thing we can do is praise and worship the Lord. It is easy to do this in good times. However, a sacrifice of praise and worship to God while we are suffering and undergoing trials will draw His presence like a magnet.

I am not saying this is easy. We may not have the heart to sing. We may not know what to say. If we have the courage to speak in a small, broken voice about the goodness of God, this is a start. When we remind Him of all He has done for us, or His promises in the scriptures, it will lighten our spirit and bring calm during the storms of life. His presence changes the atmosphere from fear and desperation to overflowing peace, hope and yes even joy.

I hope you found this blog encouraging. If you would like to comment or subscribe, please fill out the section below. I’d love to hear your testimony. God bless you and your family.