Perspective Shift: Student EditionSample

To the people in charge, Paul was a troublemaker. He was arrested multiple times, chased out of towns, and was even the subject of a riot! All of this was in response to Paul’s sharing of the Gospel. In today’s Scripture, we again find Paul in prison—this time with Silas. They had been dragged before Roman officials, falsely accused, beaten by an angry mob, had their clothes torn, and then thrown in jail. Imagine being in their place. What would you be thinking about? What would you be talking about? How angry or afraid would you be? Remarkably, in the middle of the night, they were singing praise! Paul and Silas had every reason to be hopeless, but they understood that praise isn't just an emotional response, it's a choice. Praise and worship shift your focus from your problems to God's promises. And it’s not just for Sunday mornings or Wednesday nights; it’s something that we do every day. Today, take a moment to praise. Whether it's through a spoken prayer or a song, let it be heard. List down three things you're grateful for and intentionally praise God for them. Then watch how this small act shifts the atmosphere around you.

• Recite this week's memory verse: "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4:6-7, NKJV).
• What situations in your life are weighing you down and how can praising God change your perspective?
• How can you make praising God a consistent part of your daily life?