Songs in the Night

Background Scripture: Acts 16
Lesson Scripture: Acts 16:19–34

Introduction

During the blackness of night, life’s problems often seem terrifying and overwhelming. When sleep leaves, our concerns may become very real in the night hours as we seek for answers. Praise God, there is One who is always awake. While on this earth, Jesus often spent the night in prayer. As the angels ministered to the Son of God, they also will minister to the saints today in ways known only to those who commune in their hearts with God (Heb. 1:14).

Often in times of uncertainty and trial, the Lord brings songs to us with comfort and direction. “Weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning” (Ps. 30:5). These songs assure our hearts that God is on His throne and is in control. They also bring us a message of courage that there is more to life than just the present time.

Key Verse

These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full (John 15:11).

Lesson Scripture

Studying the Lesson

In the verses prior to our lesson scripture, Paul had cast out the demon from the young girl who had been taunting him and his companions. Her masters not only were deprived of their livelihood, but they felt justified in saying that Paul and Silas were teaching customs that were unlawful for them as Roman citizens. The new religion these missionaries were proclaiming did not have the endorsement of the Roman government. The magistrates, upon hearing this indictment and without further inquiry, beat them with many stripes. They were then turned over to the jailer, who was charged to keep them safely in prison.

The inner Philippian prison, like others of that day, likely would have been a filthy, vermin-infested dungeon, completely dark with only the poorest of rations. The best hope of having enough means to survive was to have family or friends bring the needed provisions. Otherwise the fare would hardly have been enough to sustain life. It was impossible for them to lie down in comfort because they were fastened immobile in the stocks. To add to this misery, chains and restraints were commonly used.

At midnight in this dismal place, wracked with pain, bound fast, and unable to nurse their wounds, Paul and Silas prayed. They lifted their petitions to the loving Father with whom they were so intimately acquainted. Leaving their troubles at His feet, they lifted their voices in song. Their song is a powerful witness that even in their hopeless situation, they served a God who gave them the grace to have an unwavering faith and to trust their lives to Him.

Practical Truths for Today

All of nature sings the song it was given at creation, but man was given the ability to create a melody that reflects the contents of his heart. Salvation’s song was made complete when Jesus came to earth and died for the sins of the world. That song is placed deep in our soul when Christ’s atoning blood washes away our sins and we accept Him as our Savior. We must guard that song carefully so nothing hinders its pure melody.

The music of the world capitalizes on the base and sensual desires of the fallen nature. In this way, it appeals to nearly everyone in some form or another. Ungodly songs with their captivating rhythm are broadcasted for the world to hear and be influenced. True, humble gospel music that honors Christ needs to be sung to a world that is searching for something that deeply satisfies.

Singing represents and helps to define the vitality of our worship. Songs are not an intermission but an integral part of our church services. There is something about music that resonates with our heart chords. Many people have been led to Christ by first hearing a song which made them receptive to gospel preaching. Many times, God’s Spirit speaks to us through a song during a worship service. As church worship is a collective experience, the song leader helps to communicate the messages of the hymns that are sung. With conviction coming from a heart that is in tune with God, song leaders share in the responsibility of meaningful, Spirit-filled worship. The spiritual message that is embedded in the words and music of a hymn is enhanced by the outward demeanor and fervor of the leader. Merely leading or singing a song to fill a place in the service, or to seek vainglory, does not contribute to spiritual, God-centered worship.

Regardless of the disagreeable circumstances we may find ourselves in, the overriding peace of God can bring a song to our hearts and our lips. One of the devil’s snares is to keep us encumbered with busyness and the accompanying stresses of material pursuits. Other burdens may be sickness, family cares, or the spiritual well-being of loved ones. Many things may cause worry and anxiety, and singing can be a useful weapon to ward off unnecessary worry and depressing thoughts.

When a song comes to mind or we find ourselves humming a tune, we should be keen to the gentle inspirations of the words. There are times we may feel downcast and are not sure why. We can relate with David in Psalm 42:5 as he asks, “Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted in me?” He then answers his own question, “Hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him.” We may be dishonoring God and needlessly troubling ourselves when we fail to heed the scriptural injunction, “Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice” (Phil. 4:4).

Gospel singing resonates with people of all languages and nationalities. The songs of eternal value touch the soul irrespective of where that soul may be with God. The ministry of singing is a tremendous witness for Christ. Young people, commit songs to memory, face the world with candid vigor, and share God’s message of salvation. Be willing to share this ministry wherever the opportunity seems appropriate, whether in hospitals and care homes, or on the street corners of our cities and the byways of our land. Songs sung by those who have a fresh, young face and a pure, joyful heart have an attraction that is greatly needed in our day. We have been commissioned by Christ Jesus to carry His gospel forth into all the world (Matt. 28:19). God’s message through the medium of song gives courage to the fainthearted, joy to the saved, conviction to the unsaved, and embodies the invitation of Christ and the church. Some sweet day, perhaps soon, the redeemed will all be singing the incomprehensible song of heaven.

Questions

1. We are unfamiliar with the suffering and persecution that Paul and Silas endured. What is the trial of our day that leads us to discouragement?
2. What are ways we as God’s children can ward off negative and depressing thoughts?
3. As the night of sin gathers and the shadows deepen, have we become too busy to gather in our homes for an evening of song?
4. Are you ever ashamed of simple gospel singing?
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Source: COGICM Daily Bible Readings (Daily Bible Readings, PO Box 124, Glenn, CA 95943).