Acts 16 :  24 - 26

24. Who, having received such a charge, thrust them into the inner prison, and made their feet fast in the stocks.

25. And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them.

26. And suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken: and immediately all the doors were opened, and every one's bands were loosed.

27. And the keeper of the prison awaking out of his sleep, and seeing the prison doors open, he drew out his sword, and would have killed himself, supposing that the prisoners had been fled.

When we are faced with adversity and challenge in life it is easy to feel like God has deserted us. But knowing that He will never leave us nor forsake us, we should lift up our voices and break through to the heaven with praise in our hearts and on our lips to the awesome God that we serve. We then offer up the sacrifice of praise which is like sweet aroma before the Lord. And just as Paul and Silas experienced what praise can do in their situation so we will experience the same. Praise will shake the foundation of the enemy, it will open up doors and loosen the chains that bind us. Praise sets us free from being crushed by the enemy’s oppression and brings confusion in his camp.

Praising God in the midst of turmoil, trials and test will show God that we have the kind of faith that pleases Him. It will show God that our hope and trust is anchored in Him and will cause Him to move mightily on our behalf. For those whose trust is in the Lord will not be disappointed!