They Couldn’t Sleep, But They Could Sing

Down in that jail at Philippi
As midnight came around,
Two men were lying in the dark
By chains securely bound.
Their bleeding wounds and aching bones
Were keeping them awake,
But no amount of pain and wrong
Could make their spirits break.

Those bars and chains had seen a lot,
But what they heard that night
Was faith-filled men who praised the Lord
And prayed with all their might.
Then, far below an earthquake struck
And broke the jail apart;
The praise was joined by joyful thanks –
They sang with all their heart.

The convicts stayed to hear the praise
That Paul and Silas sang;
Their hearts were touched by faith so strong
The inner prison rang.
The jailer, too, with fear and hope
Cried, “Sirs, what must I do?”
“Believe in Christ and you’ll be saved
For Jesus died for you.”

More voices joined the songs of praise
That echoed through the night
As souls were saved and angels sang
In wonder and delight.
Those faithful men had no regret
For through the whole ordeal,
They watched God work and proved His grace
Gives hope that’s strong and real.

Pain kept them up that fateful night
But couldn’t steal their song;
They couldn’t sleep, but they could sing
And God Himself came down.

Christina Joy Hommes