January 17, 2023

And the keeper of the prison, awaking from sleep and seeing the prison doors open, supposing the prisoners had fled, drew his sword and was about to kill himself. Acts 16:27

The praying and singing of Paul and Silas while in the inner prison was an incredibly effective witness to the other prisoners (v.25). Such an attitude in the midst of their unjust treatment was possible because of their firm grip on the reality of God’s saving work among men. The Lord is drawn to those who look to Him. The opposite is also true: ignoring His counsel and pursuing other ways has the effect of grieving His Spirit and pushing Him away.

Let us look more closely at the keeper of the prison. In the Roman system, failure to execute the charge to make something or someone “secure” was punishable by death. The jailer’s misplaced loyalty to the cruel system of Rome had contributed to his inaccurate perception of reality. Add to that, he was supposing the prisoners had fled… In this brief moment, he leapt to the point of suicide, for he preferred to die by his own hand than face the ignominy of Roman discipline (founded upon layers of coercive leadership).  

But Paul called with a loud voice, saying, “Do yourself no harm, for we are all here.” (v.28)

A simple statement of fact, we are all here, pivoted the potential tragedy of suicide to a spiritual victory. This remarkable story from the early church’s history illustrates a solid method of truly helping those who suffer from depression and anxiety. The problems and fears that precipitate an unhealthy mental, emotional, and/or spiritual state become disproportionately enormous in the minds of those who lack facts. Gaining a handle on the truths of God and His purposes facilitates a turnaround and entry onto a path of healing, recovery, restoration.

The LORD is near to those who have a broken heart, And saves such as have a contrite spirit. The LORD redeems the soul of His servants, And none of those who trust in Him shall be condemned. Psalm 34:18,22