After they had been severely flogged, they were thrown into prison, and the jailer was commanded to guard them carefully. When he received these orders, he put them in the inner cell and fastened their feet in the stocks. About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them.  (Acts 16:23-25).

On the surface, being sheltered in place because of a pandemic has almost nothing in common with being put in prison. 

But to countless people, our current situation feels very much like being imprisoned. The emotional and psychological effects of being sheltered, things like loneliness, depression, and anxiety caused by isolation are real. Many are wondering if they’ll even make it through this at all.

In Scripture, periods of confinement or isolation are often associated with testing and refinement. The fiery furnace of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego was ultimately a test of their allegiance to God. When Jesus was led into the wilderness alone for forty days and forty nights, it was to be tested (Matthew 4:1). 

Why are testing and refinement a good thing? Because Scripture says that when we experience testing and persevere through it, we are blessed, and fit to receive the “crown of life.” (James 1:12).

Paul and Silas were faced with a test, and it was one that came with enormous consequences. How easy it would have been to give voice to all the wrong thoughts after being beaten and imprisoned for sharing the gospel:

“How long is this going to last?”

“You would think God would have protected us after all we’ve done.”

“You know we may never get out of here, right?”

But Paul and Silas would have none of that. Instead, they chose to see every situation in life for what it is: a chance to glorify God. Instead of giving in to fear or negativity, they decided to put their trust in God’s faithfulness by continuing to worship him, even while imprisoned.

“About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them” (v.26).

Times of being sheltered often indicate that an opportunity for refinement is in the works, and how we respond in these moments is incredibly important. If you’re feeling lost, depleted, confused, or fearful during this time, make space each day to glorify God: to pray to him, praise him, seek him, and honor him through your love of others. 

If you do, you may be amazed at how quickly your trial turns into a season of blessing.

Are you taking advantage of the opportunity of isolation? What steps can you take to fend off negativity and fear? Daily prayer and Bible reading? Daily worship through playing music? Do everything in your power to use this opportunity of isolation for God’s glory and your spiritual benefit.