This text is an example of the power of praise, even in difficult circumstances. Beaten and imprisoned, Paul and Silas respond by singing a hymn of praise—a song sung directly from their hearts to God. The relationship between their song of praise and their supernatural deliverance through the earthquake cannot be overlooked. Praise directed toward God can shake open prison doors! A man was converted, his household saved, and satanic captivity overthrown in Philippi.
And this is not the only example of triumphant praise in Scripture. Look at Gideon as he leads his band of soldiers into battle with the shout, “The sword of the LORD!” (Judg. 7:1–22). Jehoshaphat put the worshipers in front of his army as they marched into battle (2 Chr.20:1–24). And David, the “sweet psalmist of Israel,” repeatedly intertwined the themes of praise and victory (Ps. 9:1–3; 28:7–9; 71:8–11; 142:6, 7).
Praise will cause every chain of bondage to drop away. When you are serving God and things do not go the way you planned, learn from these examples above. Praise triumphs gloriously!
