LISTEN ONLINEDuring a short-term missions trip to Ethiopia, our team accompanied another team from a local ministry on an outreach to a group of young men who’d hit hard times and were living in shacks in a literal scrapyard. They were such a delight to meet! We shared testimonies, encouraging words and prayers together. One of my favourite moments that evening was when a local team member played his guitar and we got to worship with our new friends under the radiant moon. What a sacred moment! Despite their desperate situation, these men had hope and joy that can only be found in Jesus.
In Acts 16, we read about another impromptu praise time. This one broke out in a jail in the city of Philippi. Paul and Silas had been arrested, beaten, flogged and imprisoned while serving Jesus. Instead of giving in to despair, they worshipped God by “praying and singing” in their prison cell. “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” (vv. 25-26).
The jailer’s first thought was to end his life, but when he realised the prisoners hadn’t escaped, he was in awe of God, and salvation came to his family (vv. 27-34).
God delights in hearing us praise Him. Let’s worship Him during both the highs and lows of life.