Prison

I can still hear the chilling sound of the doors, as they slammed shut. 

The cold, raw metal bars were designed to secure occupants into the room, 

But loneliness, hopelessness, anxiety, pain, and suffering were complimentary room guests - free to come and go as they pleased. 

Every wall, every corner, every surface of the ceiling and floor- was covered in sterile, lifeless, despair. 

Privacy didn’t exist, and freedom was something found only in dreams.

This was prison.

It wasn’t meant to be pleasant. 

It didn’t come with warm heartfelt moments. 

It was heartbreaking, helpless, and impossible to get free from. 

Fortunately this experience I tell you of, comes from my time as a guard in a prison. 

But I know what that cell feels like. 

I’ve seen it. 

Stood in it. 

And have even felt the dread of being locked up. 

But while I was a guard in this prison. I’ve stayed in a prison of my own. 

My thoughts. 

I’ve had recurring feelings. Helpless emotions. And even lonely confinements. 

I’ve felt the prison door of anxiety slam shut, as the isolation of depression echoed off lifeless walls of my heart. 

In those moments. 

I’ve been in despair. 

You know that feeling? When you don’t know what else to do because you are so worn out, tired, frustrated, and just -done with the situation. It’s like you are locked in a prison cell with no way out. 

In the book of Acts we read about Paul and Silas in prison. They have been locked away for doing the work of the Lord. They did nothing wrong, they only spoke truth and did what was right. It would be easy for them to be upset. In fact, I can imagine them being straight up angry! 

 

They are locked in an inner cell, where there is no comfort, no privacy, and no hope. 

 

I imagine they spent the evening wondering why they were there. They knew the unfairness of their sentencing. And they wrestled with it for hours. The other inmates were listening and probably even sympathizing with them. Everyone probably wondered how this could be happening. 

But in the midnight hour, when they could’t rest, and when their minds wouldn’t shut off for a moment of peace. They had nothing left to do. Not understanding what say, or where to turn, they did the only thing they had left to do. They began to praise the Lord. 

Listen to Acts 16:25 - 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 everyone’s chains came loose.” 

You see, when you praise the Lord, it has a way of setting captives free. The praise of the Lord is used to proclaim hope, speak life, and bring salvation to those in desperation. 

You might be in a prison. 

You might be frustrated beyond reason, hurt beyond repair, and even done with the situation. . . But I promise you, freedom is found in praising the Lord. 

 

I know how impossible it is to shake free from the prison cell you find yourself in. 

It’s hard to let go of thoughts, or to refocus your heart. 

So let praise be the freedom you desire. 

It’s funny, 

Even God knows that praise to his name brings freedom. 

Listen to Zepheniah 3:17

 

The Lord your God is with you, 

The Mighty Warrior who saves. 

He will take delight in you with gladness. 

With his love, he will calm all your fears. 

He will rejoice over you with joyful songs. 

Even God sings over you while he rescues you. And when you need someone else to praise for you, turn on worship, soak it in, and let God grant you freedom. 

So let me read this Pslam of praise on your behalf. 

 

Listen to Pslam 100

Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth. 

Worship the Lord with gladness; 

Come before him with joyful songs. 

Know that the Lord is God. 

It is he who made us, and we are his 

We are his people, the sheep of his pasture. 

Enter his gates with thanksgiving 

And his courts with praise; 

Give thanks to him and praise his name. 

For the Lord is good and his love endures forever, 

His faithfulness continues through all generations. 

So, may you find a song of praise, deep in your heart. 

May you find the strength to sing - in your weakest point

May worship accompany the breath and it crosses your lips

And May you find freedom, as you worship the Lord Today.