Praising God
Paul and Silas did not praise God because they needed freedom from prison. They were already free, spiritually. They praised God because it's always time to give praise.
Praise is an outcome of recognising the finished work of Jesus on the cross and freedom through the power of resurrection.
The place did not shake because Paul and Silas praised God. It shook because God wanted to reveal His power and majesty. God had plans to save an entire household.
Peter was sleeping. He thought he was seeing a vision. He found himself miraculously set free from prison.
What is the beauty of praise? Why do believers praise God? God dwells in the praises of His people. Where God dwells, His presence is a place of love, peace, hope, strength and joy. We are renewed and refreshed to continue pursuing God.
We praise God through Jesus (Hebrews 13:15). What does it mean? Christ is reflected in the life of a believer. A believer who willingly lives a life pursuing God's will, not man's. Rejecting religious hypocrisy and bondage as Jesus did.
I will praise God at all times (Psalms 34:1,2). This verse is in response to the psalmist's personal experience with God. He believes God deserves praise all the time.
Like Paul and Silas, we praise God no matter what our situation looks like. God has opened our eyes to Him, His glory. When there's nothing one can do, praise keeps us in God's presence as He brings to pass His perfect will.
Please don't praise God because you want something. Praise Him because you know Him. Let praise be an outcome of your growing relationship with God. Your pursuit of Jesus.
Maranatha, Praise God, and Amen.
