Friday, 4th March, 2022
By Pastor Chris Oyakhilome
"And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them. And suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken: and immediately all the doors were opened, and every one’s bands were loosed" (Acts 16:25-26 KJV)
In the sixteenth chapter of the book of Acts, Luke tells us an inspiring story of how Paul and Silas were incarcerated; persecuted for preaching the Gospel. They were put into the inner prison, in chains; their feet were fastened in stocks. But something happened as they began to sing joyfully: there was an earthquake to bring them out of prison.
Many times, all we do is make requests in prayer. But there’s power in praising the Lord joyfully. The Bible says “Rejoice evermore” (1 Thessalonians 5:16). There’ll always be circumstances and situations that’ll try to get your attention and knock your joy off. Sometimes, it may be some wave of bad news to make you sad and angry or some issues on your mind. Whatever the case, refuse to worry; be joyful in praise to the Lord.
The Bible says, “Casting the whole of your care [all your anxieties, all your worries, all your concerns, once and for all] on Him, for He cares for you affectionately and cares about you watchfully” (1 Peter 5:7 AMPC). And then He says, “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6-7 NKJV).
Someone might say, “I only get anxious when the issues get very serious.” No, Jesus said, “Let not your heart be troubled. Ye believe in God, believe also in me” (John 14:1). Yes! Nothing should ever trouble you. That’s why it’s important to meditate on the Word of God. Through meditation on the Word, you’re conditioned to have the right mindset; you can’t but be joyful!
The Prophet said, “I will greatly rejoice in the LORD, my soul shall be joyful in my God...” (Isaiah 61:10). The psalmist said, “And my soul shall be joyful in the LORD: it shall rejoice in his salvation” (Psalm 35:9). The Lord Jesus said in Matthew 21:16, “…have ye never read, Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings thou hast perfected praise?” Learn to praise the Lord joyfully always.
There’ll always be circumstances and situations that’ll try to get your attention and knock your joy off. Whatever the case, refuse to worry; be joyful in praise to the Lord. There’s power in praising the Lord joyfully.
PRAYER
"Dear Father, my heart is filled with the joy and laughter of the Spirit today. The joy of the Lord in my life is independent of circumstances. It doesn’t matter what news or event tries to make me unhappy; I’m always joyful in the Holy Ghost, with whom I’m ever victorious. Hallelujah!"
FURTHER STUDY:
1 Peter 1:8; Proverbs 17:22; Psalm 30:11-12
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:
Mark 10:32-52 & Numbers 14-15
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:
Acts 24:1-9 & Psalm 56