Acts 8:1-8 NKJV

[1] Now Saul was consenting to his death. At that time, a great persecution arose against the church, which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles. [2] And devout men carried Stephen to his burial and made great lamentation over him. [3] As for Saul, he made havoc of the church, entering every house and dragging off men and women, committing them to prison. [4] Therefore, those who were scattered went everywhere preaching the word. [5] Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria and preached Christ to them. [6] And the multitudes with one accord heeded the things spoken by Philip, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did. [7] For unclean spirits, crying with a loud voice came out of many who were possessed; and many who were paralyzed and lame were healed. [8] And there was great joy in that city.

I find it interesting that, despite the unbearable persecution, the early church was filled with joy. They were actively being hunted down and thrown into prison. Their meetings were held in secret. They witnessed miracle after miracle, yet they couldn't openly discuss their experiences. Even through all of that, they were on fire for the Lord.

If God is the same yesterday, today, and forever, why is today's church so different?

Everyone was of one mind and one accord. They all wanted the same thing. They gathered together hungry for worship. They desired to know about Jesus and experience a personal encounter with the Holy Spirit. They weren't caught up with who was there and who wasn't. They didn't look for comforts and conveniences of a "normal" Sunday service. They weren't hung up on distractions like I often am.

When I show up to church, I have certain expectations. When those expectations aren't met, I am faced with one more thing that attempts to steal my focus. I don't have to worry about being thrown in jail for my church attendance. I am free to come and worship as I please.

My prayer for today is that my joy will be the centerpiece of my faith. I don't want joy to be a fragile adornment on the edge of my everyday life. I want it to be a central focus on this life God has blessed me with. I am grateful for all that I have and blessed beyond measure. I have joy because I have Jesus.