Pastor Isaac Solomon teaches that God “inhabits the praises of His people,” meaning genuine praise actively invites God’s presence and power. Praise is not just an emotional response but a spiritual posture that draws God near, even in hardship. Using 2 Chronicles 20, he shows how Jehoshaphat faced overwhelming enemies by seeking God, positioning the people in faith, and sending singers ahead of the army. When they praised, God fought the battle and brought victory.

The message then turns to Acts 16, where Paul and Silas, beaten and imprisoned, prayed and sang praises at midnight. Their praise triggered God’s intervention—an earthquake opened prison doors and broke every chain. Pastor Solomon applies this to believers today, reminding them that many carry invisible chains such as fear, guilt, sin, bitterness, or discouragement.

The sermon concludes with a call to surrender these chains to Jesus, affirming that Christ was born to heal, restore, and set captives free. A spirit of praise, even in one’s “midnight season,” releases God’s presence, breaks bondage, and leads to freedom and renewed hope.

Pastor Isaac Solomon, the Ministerial and Family Life Ministries Director at the Southern African Union Conference, shared a short message with the congregants as part of the Annual Christmas Service at Bellville SDA Church.