Finding Joy in God’s Will

Joy, a fruit of the Holy Spirit, never stands alone. Among its companions are faith and wisdom. It is often experienced as a result of seeing God at work. Since God’s presence is a place of joy, restoration to His fellowship is attended with joy. In this passage, joy is preceded by obedience.

Having been set apart and sent out by the Holy Spirit, Paul and Barnabas were obedient in the ministry God had given them. The Holy Spirit ministered effectively through them and many believed. The Jews who did not believe were filled with jealousy and immediately reacted by instigating persecution, driving the disciples from their district.

It is recorded at this point that the disciples were “filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.” Obedience to God’s purpose results in joy that detractors cannot diminish. Submissive saints today can expect similar joy through obedience to God’s Word and dependence on the Spirit of God.

Taken from The Devotional Daily Bible