(the author-top left looking into Philippian jail cell where Paul sang).
32 The oppressed will see and be glad— you who seek God, may your hearts live! 33 The LORD hears the needy and does not despise his captive people. 34 Let heaven and earth praise him, the seas and all that move in them;
40 For as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of a huge fish, so the Son of Man will be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth. (Mt 12:40)- Jesus predicted his deliverance from death
Thoughts: What can make our hearts restart in the midst of oppression? Years ago an army was surrounding an American fort, and the soldiers inside were just about to surrender, when they saw a signal flag miles away that indicated that a relief army was coming to raise the siege. A hymn was written about this called, “Hold the Fort for I am Coming.” God has not forgotten about us. When God remembers His people, the earth rejoices, for this is how it should be.
God rescues us. His rescue does not come always when we want it to- in fact, most would not want to suffer any at all before God rescues us. Yet His timing is in His plan, and His plan is the best it can be. It is important to believe in God's rescue.
When the earth shakes, and the foundations are unsteady (Haiti, Chili, Okinawa, now Turkey- but figuratively here)- and we are covered over with dirt and filth- some have no hope. Some believe in a rescue now or in the life to come. Choose hope.
The Philippians arrested Paul. He beleived God would help him- even singing in prison with great peace and joy. Then he was delivered- by an earthquake!
Prayer: Lord, thank you that you hear the needy and do not despise us when we are surrounded with trouble. I rejoice that you listen!
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