P-Raise
He leads forth the prisoners with singing.
About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them. Suddenly there was such a violent earthquake that the foundations of the prison were shaken. At once all the prison doors flew open, and everybody’s chains came loose.
I find it fascinating that praising God sets us free! I also realize how hard it is to praise in the midst of a storm, or while sitting in prison. This is why the captives are captive. This is why the defeated are defeated. It’s not natural to praise during terrible, heart-breaking times. Living a life of faith rather than a life of feelings, teaches us to do the opposite of what we feel. Faith is the substance of things hoped for – the evidence of things unseen (Hebrews 11:1).
Webster’s definition of Praise is: expressing approval; glorify, accept as satisfactory.
And Webster’s definition of Accept is: receive willingly. Further, the definition of Raise is: lift, grow, bring up, increase, make light
Since raise is part of the word praise, it makes sense that when you combine their definitions you get:
Expressing approval, glorifying, accepting as satisfactory, receive willingly, lift, grow, bring up, increase, make light.
Paul and Silas expressed approval for who God was, not what their circumstance may have been. They were praising God in the midst of their circumstance because they knew that regardless of whether they were slave or free, God was the most High King who is worthy of their praise regardless of circumstance! They also knew that they were accepting His will as satisfactory in their life – whatever that was, and they received God’s will for them willingly. As a result, God lifted their spirits, grew them up in the faith, brought them up out of their circumstances, and made the prison walls light enough to crumble!
Now that’s powerful! Do you see how human nature says to lay down and cry because you are a prisoner, but the laws of faith say: praise Him child, praise Him child, praise Him, and watch with wonder as He sets you free!
I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength.
Warriors, Let us praise Him as we influence others in the approval and glory of Christ, receiving willingly His will for us and our families. As a result, God will meet us there, lifts us up, grow us and others up, while simultaneously increasing our faith and strength in Him, making our burdens light.
Kristina Seymour loves to encourage and equip women through the Word and through community. She is the author of The Warrior Mom Handbook, The Warrior Mom Leadership Manual, and The Warrior Wife Handbook; they are available at Amazon.com. Kristina's Bible studies are for women who desire to live by faith in the midst of their everyday lives. She has learned that women can't survive on caffeine and animal crackers alone; women in the Word and in community are united and able to stand firm. To learn more about Kristina, please visit her website, https://kristinaseymour.com/. God loves to share His story of love and grace through us all, and Kristina believes that everyone has a story to tell.
Originally published Tuesday, 08 October 2024.
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