Joy in the Midst of Trouble

Can you recall a time when you experienced extreme joy? What made it so joyful?
In the Bible we read of an unusual account of joy, even in the midst of challenging circumstances. In Acts chapter 16, we read about Paul and Silas who felt called by God to talk about Jesus. Their travels took them to the town of Philipi.

They stopped outside the city gate at the river, where they expected to find a place of prayer. They spoke with some women who had gathered there, and their message about Jesus was received positively! Some of their actions and words upset town leaders and other citizens. They were beaten and thrown in jail. Not so joyful.

About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them. Can you believe that? Singing hymns of praise in those dire circumstances? It seemed that God had abandoned them, but such was not the case.

“Suddenly there was such a violent earthquake that the foundations of the prison were shaken. At once all the prison doors flew open, and everyone’s chains came loose. The jailer woke up, and when he saw the prison doors open, he drew his sword and was about to kill himself because he thought the prisoners had escaped. But Paul shouted, ‘Don’t harm yourself! We are all here!’”
The jailer called for lights, rushed in and fell trembling before Paul and Silas. 30 He brought them out and asked, ‘Sirs, what must I do to be saved?’”

Paul and Silas gave the simple and true response, “’Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved—you and your household.’ Then they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all the others in his house. At that hour of the night the jailer took them and washed their wounds; then immediately he and all his household were baptized. The jailer brought them into his house and set a meal before them; he was filled with joy because he had come to believe in God—he and his whole household.”

This account of Paul and Silas is a powerful reminder that joy can be found even in the midst of troubling circumstances. They found joy in their relationship with God, which caught the attention of others.

Joy is not dependent on our circumstances. When we are faced with challenges, we can choose to focus on our problems, or we can choose to focus on God. When we choose to focus on God, we find joy in His presence. You can read this entire account at Acts 16:9-34.
Joy is a gift from God and is always available to us. When we focus on God, we find joy in His presence, and we experience His peace that surpasses all understanding.

Bringing Joy to Others
Be a supportive friend.
Frame events in a positive light.
Live your joy.
Remember your joy comes through Christ.
Be a sensitive friend.
Be flexible and adapt to changing circumstances.
Identify and communicate feelings.
Verbalize gratefulness.
Be generous.
Seek out ways to care for others.
Use your sense of humor positively.
Laugh out loud.
Celebrate and verbalize the forgiveness of Christ.
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”  Romans 15:13

4831 Ponderings:

• What thoughts do you think inspired Paul and Silas to sing hymns of praise in the middle of the night loudly enough to be heard by the other prisoners?
• What can you learn from Paul and Silas’ example about knowing peace and joy, even in hard times?