Singing in the Rain

[Inspired by Acts 16:22-39]

What would you do if someone trumped up charges about you and had you thrown in jail and shackled? Get mad? Cry? Panic? Fight to get out? Maybe all of the above.

Or would you sing?

That's what Paul and Silas did. In verse 25 of this passage we read, "Around midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening." They were in a dungeon with their feet in stocks and decided the appropriate thing to do was have a good old fashioned SANGIN' (as we call them in the south). I can just hear them now thinking of their favorites. "Oooh, Paul, remember this one ...?" and "Oh I love that one! How about this one, Silas ...?"

Sound crazy? Maybe. But Psalm 22:3 tells us that God "inhabits the praises of His people." If ever I want God close by it is when I've been thrown in prison.

But God doesn't just give Paul & Silas warm fuzzies because they sing. He uses them to bring others to Christ (the jailer and his entire family were saved & baptized as a result). And you know the fellow prisoners listening and watching it all were encouraged. Then God frees Paul & Silas from prison and restores their names with apologies from the authorities. Everyone benefited!

Never underestimate what God can do. When we find ourselves in difficulties and trials, our role is not to question, certainly not to worry, and not to try to figure it out. Our role is to praise God. Period. Despite what we're going through. Then watch God work in the midst of what we're going through!

Who wouldn't love to go through life singing ... even in the rain?

Note: For some extra inspiration, watch the movie Singing in the Rain or Glee's performance of the song. Due to copyright, I can't post them. Sorry.

{Image: Glee.Wikia.com}