Tapping into the power of God - Acts 16:16v40

What an unlikely reason and place to praise God.
•        Beaten and wounded for daring to witness to the power in the name of Jesus Christ ( v18 )
•        Imprisoned without trial despite their rights as  Roman citizens.
•        Classified as highly dangerous to be locked up in the inner prison and fastened to the stocks and chains (familiar situations as those of Peter in chapter 12).

What enabled Paul and Silas to keep praying and singing praises to God in such a circumstance?
•        The power through the Holy Spirit within - “you will receive power …. and would be my witnesses” (Acts 1v8).  The power that does not necessarily dull the pains but puts them into context.  The power that subordinates such pains to the surpassing worth of knowing Christ and the fellowship of His suffering (Phil 3v10).
•        The faith and conviction that the Lord knows and doeth all things well!  When my eyes and focus are on the Lord, He preoccupies my conscious mind and the beauty of His glory can only precipitate praises to Him who only is wonderful, who only knows, whose purpose must be fulfilled.
•        The conviction that they are in the Lord’s will - had the Lord not called them to Macedonia through a dream (v8)?  Oh! how important it is for me to be sure I am in the centre of the Lord’s will.  Nothing provides greater energy to press on despite the obstacles on the way.
And see how praises unleashed the powers of heaven!  Suddenly!  Paul and Silas were not praying for release. It does not appear they were praying for eternal judgment on those who had just mistreated them.  They were praising God and suddenly!  God is jealous for His name and His praise.  No prescription to God on what to do; He just does the right thing!  He acts on the behalf of those whose hearts are fully committed to Him (2 Chron.16v9).
Jehosaphat tasted it - went to battle with a choir.  God savoured the praise and moved and acted on the behalf of His people. ( 2 Chron. 20v20-22).
Lord, turn my heart to your praise and my eyes to the goal - the surpassing worth of knowing Christ.  Help me to be a witness to the power of Christ for salvation in whatever circumstances I find myself.  This I pray in the powerful name of my Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.  AMEN.