About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them. Acts 16:25

Paul and Silas were:

Publically humiliated
Stripped
Beaten
Thrown in jail
Bound in an inner cell

Why?

For telling others about Jesus’ love.

Along about midnight when wounds were festering, muscles were aching, the reality of their situation was setting in, they conquered and overcame by singing hymns to God.  Amazingly OTHER prisoners were listening to them.

Fear and Joy can not co-exist.  When fear rears its ugly head, praise your way through it.  Not only will you be blessed but others will absorb the same experience and be influenced.  Your sojourners in the faith will witness the miracle in you, and will be influenced to do the same.

Today, Oh Lord, may we not think of our past that brings self-loathing, our current circumstances that causes fear or anxiety, or our future that brings worry or unresolved questions.  Sweet, Holy Spirit, may YOUR song be in our heart all day long.  Let us cut off worldly influences of music, t.v., media that draws as away from you, and may we lift your name on high and feel the very presence of Your love. 

Amen