But... the Bible says in Acts 16:25, "Around midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God and the other prisoners were listening." My commentary says that "The leg feels not the stocks when the mind is in heaven." And no trouble, however grievous, should hinder us from praise.
Paul and Silas were only able to sing in painful circumstances because they had formed a habit of worship and because of that habit, were able to remain grateful that God counted them worthy to suffer for His name's sake! Oh friends, that we would not be discouraged by our sufferings, but that we would indeed count them as JOY. Lessons hard to learn... but utterly necessary!
James 1:2 says this, "...when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy!"
Opportunity = a situation or condition favorable for attainment of a goal; a good position, chance, or prospect, as for advancement of success; a favorable, appropriate, or advantageous combination of circumstances.
And so... I can triumph - and YOU can too - in my trials!
The truth is that opportunity is so often neglected. And it is my hope that I will be press through daily and pray for God to allow me to use my opportunity wisely!
The time was midnight, but it was morning in their souls! Our praise shall not be contingent upon position or condition! We should count every day and every circumstance, an opportunity to return to God what belongs to Him - glory, honor, and praise! The time was midnight, which proves to us that our hour of devotion is not regulated by the time on the clock. ANY time is the RIGHT time to praise!
Our circumstances are no criteria of character. It is quite possible to have good circumstances, yet maintain a bad attitude... just as it is possible to have bad circumstances, yet maintain a positive, prayerful, praise-filled attitude. It's a matter of choice and commitment.
And I think it's also important here to note that doing good doesn't necessarily produce results that are equivilent. It is false to assume that as long as you do good, good will come to you. It's simply un-biblical. This sort of mindset is not compatable with Christlike living. "In this world you WILL have trouble..." (John 16:33), "... but take heart because I have overcome the world."
The outcome is - we overcome!
Praise releases us from the damaging affects of prolonged pain! It allows us to RE-MEMBER our purpose. When we remember (recall to mind) God's goodness and His plan, we can re-member (put back together again) our purpose!
Remember that joy is portable! We get to say, "OK, devil, you may have brought me into this mess, but I'm bringing my joy with me." Joy is portable… Even in the pit!
Praise allows us to re-member our purpose despite the pain!
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