Acts 16:25-26
About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to 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 everyone’s bonds were unfastened.
Even in secular society, the awesome power of singing is well known. Mineworkers in South African and other mines in Africa experienced the motivation of singing “Shosholoza” as they dug for gold. Many sportspersons the world over have been inspired to unlikely victory by spectators singing and chanting their favourite songs. Liberation fighters endured incredible hardships en route to getting their compatriots delivered from colonial oppression.
But nothing compares to the power of anointed, intentional, and revelatory singing praises to God! Such is the secret Paul and Silas understood. Instead of moaning and whining in their difficult situation, they chose to sing hymns of praise to God. Amidst their physical imprisonment, they chose to unleash the spiritual weapon of praise singing. As a result four wonderful things happened.
First, there was an earthquake. That signifies the earth-shattering power of singing praises to God. That means the power of God can dismantle the cosmic (global) powers that threaten our lives. Let that be your portion in Jesus’ mighty name!
Second, the foundations of the prison shook. That signifies the dismantling of the underlying roots of the (local) problems that imprison our lives. Let that be your portion today in the precious name of Jesus Christ.
Third, all the prison’s doors were opened. That signifies the unlocking of opportunities previously locked to you. That spells the removal of the restrictive barriers around you. May God open unto you doors nobody can shut in the matchless name of Christ Jesus our Lord!
Fourthly, everyone’s chains were loosed. That signifies supernatural liberty on a personal level. It’s not good enough for the earth to quake, the foundations under your prison to shake, and the doors around you to open while you remain bound! God desires to perform a complete job in our lives. He wants to deal with the broader global context that affects us as well as the local forces that limit us, and the personal fetters that bind us!
The key is in your mouth. It’s the key of revelatory singing of praises to God. I don’t mean traditional singing. We are not talking about dutiful singing here. Rather, we’re talking about singing that stems from a revelation of the One whom we worship and the power of blessing His name in Spirit and truth. Will you unleash that power in your life today? Let’s do so.
Pastor Josh