Title
Joy Through It All
Scripture
And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.
(Acts 13:52)
Devotional
Were the disciples filled with joy because they were filled with the Holy Spirit, or were they filled with the Holy Spirit because of their joy? I believe that the answer would have to be “Yes.” Each brings the other. When we are filled with the Holy Spirit there will be the fruit of joy; and when we are able to have joy in all circumstances God is pleased and fills us with His Spirit. The disciples experienced a radical swing of acceptance. Many of the Jews believed and followed the grace of God. Even the Gentiles desired to hear more. Almost the whole city came to hear the word of God. However, the religiously devout and prominent ran Paul and Barnabas out of town. Through it all, the disciples kept their faith in Christ and were able to maintain their joy and were filled with the Holy Spirit.