16th April 2026

Light And Shadow

"But at midnight Paul and Silas

were praying and singing hymns to God . . ."

Acts 16:25

Today's Bible Reading: Acts 16:25-32.

All the great masterpieces of art contain both light and shadow. Likewise, a happy life is one filled not only with sunshine, but one which uses both light and shadow to produce beauty. The greatest musicians, as a rule, are those who know how to bring song out of sadness. The blind hymn writer Fanny Crosby, her spirit aglow with faith in Christ, saw more with her sightless eyes than most of us do with normal vision. She has given us some of the greatest gospel songs which cheer and encourgae our hearts and lives. In a rat-infested jail in Philippi, Paul and Silas sang their song of praise at midnight to the accompaniment of the jailer’s whip (Acts 16:25). But their patience in suffering and persecution led to the heathen warden’s conviction, and salvation. Thus the Lord often brings His sweetest music out of our darkest nights, and teaches us that even suffering, when borne in faith, may become a song of praise unto God.

Prayer: God of Light and Hope, let my heart learn to sing when everything around me seems so dark. Give me Your grace to praise You, I ask. In the name of the Lord Jesus. Amen.