June 21 - From Fear to Joy

Overview of: Acts

Today's Reading:
Acts 16:6-40
"Paul in Philippi"

Focus Verses: Acts 16:29-34
29 The jailer called for lights, rushed in and fell trembling before Paul and Silas. 30 He then brought them out and asked, "Sirs, what must I do to be saved?" 31 They replied, "Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved—you and your household." 32 Then they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all the others in his house. 33 At that hour of the night the jailer took them and washed their wounds; then immediately he and all his family were baptized. 34 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 family.

Insight:
The Philippian jailer had, in one night, gone from despairing for his life to being filled with joy. In the fear and chaos of the earthquake, he had considered taking his life. Instead, in the message of salvation he received from Paul and Silas, he found hope for himself and his family. It's amazing how quickly and profoundly life can be changed by faith in Christ.

Response and Action:
The hope and purpose I need for life is found in Christ. When the problems and circumstances of any moment cause me to despair or fear, I will find my joy and hope in the good news of Jesus. When I see family, friends, or neighbors in despair, I will call out to them, "Wait! There is hope in Jesus." I want to live in the joy and peace of Christ and be ready to share that joy and peace with others. Salvation, hope, and joy are within reach and may be found at any moment—sometimes at the darkest and most unexpected moments.

O God, thank you for the hope and joy that are greater than my circumstances. Help me, like Paul and Silas, to be able to sing songs of faith and hope even when I am experiencing hardship. Make me a voice of hope in a dark world where others are ready to give up on life. Make me ready and able to share the saving message of Jesus. O God, save those who are lost and dying through the saving grace of your Son. Take away their fear and despair and, instead, give them your joy. Amen.

Old Testament for Today: Psalm 65:2-3, 8
2 O you who hear prayer, to you all men will come. 3 When we were overwhelmed by sins, you forgave our transgressions. - - - 8 Those living far away fear your wonders; where morning dawns and evening fades you call forth songs of joy.
In Context: Psalm 65

Proverb for Today: Prov. 21:30
"There is no wisdom, no insight, no plan that can succeed against the LORD."

Recommended Reading:
Salvation Belongs to Our God: Celebrating the Bible's Central Story
by Christopher J. H. Wright