The Book of Acts: Turn Your World Upside DownSample

Today’s Devotional:

As I slide into my car daily, I turn my music on and start my day praising God. That time in my car is never wasted time, but it is a holy time of prayer and praise. I have seen the power of praise change my mind, attitude, and even sometimes, eventually, some of my circumstances. The power of praise is much more than a coping strategy through difficult days—it is a supernatural connection with the Almighty God.

As we read Acts 16 today, we can’t help but be in awe of two things. I first noticed that Paul and Silas had been directed and led by the Holy Spirit throughout the days leading up to their imprisonment. He had opened and closed doors and spoken clearly to them in a vision. This gave them the confidence that their imprisonment was part of their assignment. Their praise, singing, and praying were not affected by their circumstances. They knew their calling was to preach the Good News of Jesus wherever they went, including a place they did not want to be, a place full of pain and hardship. Paul and Silas, at that moment a couple of thousand years ago, set an example for all believers who follow them in responding to the darkest of nights. We choose to pray and praise and allow others to watch us do it. We are called by God to be set apart for His purposes and to be holy. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 says, “Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.” Our role is to learn to hear His voice simply by spending time with Him in prayer, reading His revealed Word, the Bible, and aligning ourselves with what He has spoken to us. As those daily decisions lead us into our next days, we can then be full of praise and confidence as we walk into the challenge, obstacle, or even our darkest season. We know there is a power in our praise that will bring glory to God, strength to our spirits, and bring others to know His hope by watching us. What God has done before, He will do again.

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Today’s devotional was written by Pastor Jenni O’Neal.

Questions to Consider:

• How can you pray and praise today in the middle of what you are walking through?
• How have you seen the power of praise work in your life?

Prayer:

God, thank you for the power of praise. Thank you for the example of Paul and Silas, who show me how to respond with faith during the darkest nights. Help me to be thankful in all circumstances. In Jesus’ name, amen.