In today’s verses we find Paul and Silas praying and singing hymns of praise while they were in prison, and what is most amazing is what the previous verse describe:

“²³ After striking them many times [with the rods], they threw them into prison, commanding the jailer to guard them securely. ²⁴ He, having received such a [strict] command, threw them into the inner prison (dungeon) and fastened their feet in the stocks [in an agonizing position].” (16:23-24)

Can you imagine how terribly hurt they were? And in spite of this, they: “were praying and singing hymns of praise to God, and the prisoners were listening to them;” (16:25). They had the strength to praise God!  (Nehemiah 8:10) They had joy in their hearts and they wanted everyone else to know!! There was a Godly purpose for their suffering and all the circumstances they faced. (You can read the rest of the chapter)

Let me ask you: when you have been in a painful situation, “imprisoned” in distress and difficulties, did you immediately praise God for this? Did you feel there was a Godly purpose in all this? I believe this is very difficult for us to do. Only through the Power of His Holy Spirit this can be done. On our own strength this is humanly impossible!

Joy is an attribute of the Fruit of the Holy Spirit, and it is available to each one of us, but we must ask in prayer for this to be a continual reality in us!

“¹⁶ But I say, walk habitually in the [Holy] Spirit [seek Him and be responsive to His guidance]…” (Galatians 5:16)

^“22 But the fruit of the Spirit [the result of His presence within us] is love [unselfish concern for others], joy, [inner] peace, patience [not the ability to wait, but how we act while waiting], kindness, goodness, faithfulness, ²³ gentleness, self-control. Against such things there is no law. ²⁴ And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the ^[l]sinful nature together with its passions and appetites.

²⁵ If we [claim to] live by the [Holy] Spirit, we must also walk by the Spirit [with personal integrity, godly character, and moral courage—our conduct empowered by the Holy Spirit]. ²⁶ We must not become conceited, challenging or provoking one another, envying one another.” (Galatians 5:22-26)

David also experienced the joy of the Lord and encourages us following his steps:

I pray that each one of us can experience the same joy that Paul and Silas treasured in their hearts: the joy of His Salvation!  And may we be able to sing in joy for everyone to witness what He has done in our lives:

“You will show me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; In Your right hand there are pleasures forevermore.” (Psalms 16:11 AMP, emphasis mine)

Blessings,

Mari