Praise Under Pressure

“In the darkest moments in our lives, the most powerful sound is the voice of praise.”

When you’re faced with trouble and your back is up against the wall, what is your first reaction? I’m sure most of us would not say, “I praise God.” But that’s exactly what Paul and Silas did.

In Acts 16, we meet the Apostle Paul and Silas who had been preaching about Jesus when they were viciously attacked by an angry mob. Severely beaten, stripped, and shackled, they were thrown into a cell. They were bloody, bruised, and did not know what the morning would bring. But around midnight, Paul and Silas began to sing (v. 25). I can imagine that the sound of their voices—praising God—cut through the darkness and roused other prisoners. As Paul and Silas praised God, suddenly there was an earthquake. It was so violent that the foundation of the prison was shaken (v. 26). Prison doors opened and chains fell off. The spiritual changed the physical.

The same can be true for you and me. Our attitude of praise and worship of God, especially when we are walking through difficult circumstances, can soften hearts and dramatically change our circumstances. Acts tells us that the “jailer woke up, and when he saw the prison doors open, he drew his sword and was about to kill himself because he thought the prisoners had escaped. Paul shouted, ‘Don’t harm yourself!’” (vv. 27–28). The jailer, astounded by what had happened, asked Paul: “What must I do to be saved?” The jailer and his entire household believed in God and were baptized.

In the darkest moments in our lives, the most powerful sound is the voice of praise. Not only does our praise redirect our attention from our circumstances back to God, but it also sets in motion God-activity that can open doors and manifest His power.

Friend, what if the thing that is happening to you today is being used by God to bring about a miracle? What if your willingness to give praise under pressure will be a testimony to many? I believe that if you are a follower of Jesus, your life is not random. With a sovereign God, it’s not a coincidence. So, the next time you encounter trouble, ask yourself: “What is God doing?” Then allow the Holy Spirit to turn your pain into praise.