Acts 16:25-34 NKJV

[25] But at midnight, Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them. [26] Suddenly, there was a great earthquake, so the foundations of the prison were shaken; and immediately all the doors were opened and everyone’s chains were loosed. [27] And the keeper of the prison, awaking from sleep and seeing the prison doors open, supposing the prisoners had fled, drew his sword and was about to kill himself. [28] But Paul called with a loud voice, saying, “Do yourself no harm, for we are all here.” [29] Then he called for a light, ran in, and fell down trembling before Paul and Silas. [30] And he brought them out and said, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” [31] So they said, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved, you and your household.” [32] Then they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all who were in his house. [33] And he took them the same hour of the night and washed their stripes. And immediately, he and all his family were baptized. [34] Now when he had brought them into his house, he set food before them; and he rejoiced, having believed in God with all his household.

Worship is a pretty easy thing to do when things are going well. I don't have to look for reasons to lift my hands. I don't have to soul search to find gratitude in my heart. It comes naturally when I am comfortable... but something profound happens when we find a way to worship through pain, suffering, and sadness.

Jesus is not a fairweather Savior. He is always present, especially when things aren't pleasant. Paul and Silas CHOSE to praise God in the middle of the prison, freshly beaten, bruised, and bleeding. They didn't just hear from God. He showed up and shook the very foundation of the prison they were in.

God always hears His children, but He shows up differently when His children are suffering. Our willingness to worship elevates us from our pain to Heavenly places. Worship breaks chains of bondage. Worship reaches beyond the unpleasantries of current circumstances to a place of peace beyond our understanding.