Yet they don’t ask, ‘Where is God my Creator, the one who gives songs in the night? – Job 35:10

Sunday, a week ago in our early morning service which Karen and I attend, about twenty minutes into the worship service, the church lost all manner of electricity at the church. Our Assistant Pastor had just left the platform following the opening prayer, when all of a sudden, “Poof”, there went the lights within the sanctuary. Of course within a crowd of maybe five hundred or so people, you immediately began to hear close and distant comments all over the place. Up went the cell phones utilizing those handy little flashlight apps that deliver beams of artificial light. Next thing you know, our church shepherd, Pastor Sam Carr makes his way to the stage and shouts, “Hallelujah”! The church responds with much thunderous applause and shouts of praise!

That morning we had a missionary couple that serves in India that our church supports. Pastor Sam commented from the pulpit that the couple immediately chuckled when the power went out with “Hey, this feels just like home”. Pastor Sam immediately proclaimed that we were going to continue with the service as planned and that we were not dependent on lighting and power to worship God in word and song.

The praise and worship team made their way back to the platform with acoustical guitars, djembes, percussion instruments and their voices. I have to say that it was one of the most awesome, beautiful, anointed times of worship that I have experienced. As we lifted our voices and hands in worship in the shadows of the sanctuary, I immediately thought of Paul and Silas within the prison cells at the midnight hour spoken of in Acts 16. Verse 25 tells us that “Around midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening.” Did you catch that? The other prisoners were listening as Paul and Silas, which had been bound with their feet in stocks, were lifting their voices in praise and worship within the dark dungeon of the prison cell. And this was after they had been severely beaten mind you.

In verse 26, we are told that “Suddenly, there was a massive earthquake, and the prison was shaken to its foundations. All the doors immediately flew open, and the chains of every prisoner fell off!” My dear friend, let me tell you, there is an awesome thing that takes place when you find yourself in the midst of the dark places of life and trials and tribulation enter your world with no apparent warning yet you continue to trust God with all that is within you. Those times when everything in your life seems to be going just your way as you sail the seas of tranquility and serenity then all of a sudden, ferocious squalls enter for no apparent reason causing you to lose sight of direction and rob you of peace and fear attempts to settle in.

I know… I’ve been there… More times than once.

But in every trial and valley that God has allowed to enter in my life, He’s always shown himself to be faithful and true to His word. I’ve also found that In Him is the only true source of strength to see me through every circumstance that comes my way. “For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.” (Philippians 4:13) Not just a few things – but All things. This source of strength dwells within every believer and the key that gives you the victory in every circumstance is the “knowing” whose you are. It’s your identity In Christ and the “knowing” that the same spirit that raised Christ from the dead dwells within you.

So my friend, always remember that when dark seasons enter your life unexpectedly, know that God is there. He will always see you through. And as difficult as it may be at times, continue to lift your voice unto Him with songs of praise, worship and adoration. As you do, you will find the power of His Holy Spirit and light is guiding you and giving you the strength you need to see you through to the other side.

“…Weeping may last through the night, but joy comes with the morning.” – Psalm 30:5

Remain Blessed,