Singing in the Dark…

~ Why is that bird chirping at 5:50 am? Doesn’t he know it’s still dark outside? This is the thought going through my sleep-laden, coffee-depleted mind at that time of morning. After a few minutes, with cup of coffee in hand, my mind changed perspectives. Why is he singing in the dark? Maybe it’s because he can’t help it. The song just had to come out. Have you ever had that feeling? You randomly burst into song because you just can’t contain it? Come on now, I know you have. Even Paul couldn’t contain his singing even in the worst of conditions. Sitting in a dark, dank, disgusting prison, we find Paul and Silas singing.

“About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them” Acts 16:25 (ESV)

What is it about singing that lifts the spirit? God gave us a wonderful gift when he blessed us with the ability to sing. Paul and Silas were bound in chains, sitting in the dark and singing. These two things at first seem to be diametrically opposed. Darkness and singing. What we can learn from Paul and Silas is that we always have a choice of how to react no matter the situation. So, if you find yourself in a “dark” place, try singing. Just close your eyes and sing. Because what comes from your heart belongs to the Lord. So give it to Him.

“Oh come, let us sing to the Lord; let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation!” Psalms 95:1 (ESV)