Do you trust that God responds positively to your prayers? By faith, do you know His hand is working in all your circumstances? Then your heart keeps “overflowing with thankfulness”16 in all circumstances!
… pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you (1 Thessalonians 5:17-18). M
What if you suffer, or people treat you badly for your faith? Let the Spirit fill you with joy.17 “Giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father!” (Ephesians 5:20 cf. Colossians 3:17) Sing praises, even in the midnight of your pain and shame!18
The crowd joined in attacking them, and the magistrates tore the garments off them and gave orders to beat them with rods. And when they had inflicted many blows upon them, they threw them into prison, ordering the jailer to keep them safely.… About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God … (Acts 16:22-23,25).
… be filled with the Spirit, addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart, giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ… (Ephesians 5:18-20). M
16. Colossians 2:7; thanks covers all experience and all hope, including thanks for Christ, 2 Corinthians 9:15; for His triumph, 2 Corinthians 2:14; for grace, 1 Corinthians 1:4; for the Gospel spreading, 2 Corinthians 4:15; for Christian generosity and funds, 2 Corinthians 9:11-13; for faith and love, Ephesians 1:15-16; for food 1 Timothy 4:4-5; and for fellow-believers, Acts 28:15; 2 Corinthians 8:16; 2 Timothy 1:3-5.
17. Research Subject – Joy in persecution and suffering: Matthew 5:10-12; John 16:33; Acts 5:41; 13:52; 16:25; Romans 5:3-5; 2 Corinthians 6:10; 12:9-10; Philippians 2:14-18; 4:4,11-13; Colossians 1:24; Hebrews 10:35; James 1:2-4; 1 Peter 4:13-14 cf. Habakkuk 3:17-18; Galatians 5:22-23
18. There are times when sorrow or trouble suggests prayer rather than lively songs, James 5:13 cf. Matthew 5:4; Acts 8:2; Romans 12:15.
Picture: In prison they praised God (Acts 16). This modified cistern in Philippi may have been Silas’ and Paul’s prison, as suggested by a wall drawing of Christ on a throne between two disciples.