It is recorded but once that the apostle Paul sang. And that instance was not such a one as would naturally inspire song.
It was not after a pleasant, happy, unmolested meeting, or at the social board, or to while away weary hours; it was in the dark, damp, cold prison cell, with back ridged and raw from lashes, and feet fast in the stocks–a position most intolerable.
The feet must be elevated to be put in the stocks, and the only easy position is to lie down. But Paul and Silas were deprived of any rest even in this way; for their backs were sore from the beating.
But prayer brought a greater victory than was wrought by Samson’s strength; faith claimed the promise, and the wearied prisoners “sang praises unto God.” Acts 16:25. The grace and peace of God swallowed up all the pain and unpleasant surroundings.
Paul’s great Prototype, for whom he suffered joyfully, is recorded as having sung but once. And when was that? on the mount of transfiguration? or after His resurrection? No; it was just before His betrayal, just before the agony of Gethsemane, just before the darkness of the cross.
And Jesus knew that the sufferings were before Him; yet with faith in that Father who was too wise to err, too good to prove unkind, He could sing:
Psalm 113
1 Praise the Lord.
Psalm 118
14 The Lord is my strength and my song, and is become my salvation.
1 O give thanks unto the Lord; for He is good; because His mercy endures forever.
These expressions, found in Psalms 113 to 118, were sung on paschal occasions.
If there was more praise to “Him from whom all blessings flow,” there would be greater blessings.
Psalm 50
23 Whoso offers praise glorifies me,
–says the Lord. Truly,
Psalm 147
1 It is good to sing praises unto our God.
