My dear friend, today we're meditating on Acts 2:28, which says, “You fill me with joy in your presence”. Yes, every time we are in the presence of the Lord, there is fullness of joy. Many times, we associate joy with our happy moments—when we celebrate an accomplishment, when a new baby is born, when we graduate, when we get a promotion, or when we get married. We feel joy, we feel happiness, and we spread it with all those around us. But in Acts 16:25-36, we see two men who experienced joy in prison. Paul and Silas were singing hymns to the Lord at midnight, and suddenly a violent earthquake shook the place, opening the prison doors and loosing the chains. The jailer, terrified, was about to take his own life, but Paul cried out, “Do not harm yourself, we are here.” Trembling, the jailer fell before them and asked, “What must I do to be saved?” That night, he and his whole household believed, were baptized, and were filled with joy because they had found the salvation of the Lord.

Where did this joy begin? In jail! It spread to the jailer’s home, and surely he went on to tell others about the joy of Jesus. Many times, we think the joy of the Lord can only be found in church or in certain places, but Jesus said in Matthew 18:20, “For where two or three gather in My name, there I am with them.” Paul and Silas gathered in the most unholy place, surrounded by criminals, and yet as they praised the Lord, His presence filled the prison. That joy overflowed into salvation and touched everyone around them. The joy of the Lord is not limited by place or circumstance. It can fill a heart anywhere.

Yes, my dear friend, even today God wants to give us a new life and fill us with His joy. Because He is in us, His presence is with us. Every morning, as you invite Him into your life, He will fill you with joy that nothing and no one can discourage. That joy will overflow, touching your friends, co-workers, and family. They, too, will ask, “How can I receive this joy?” And through your witness, they will come to know His saving grace. Today, let us make this commitment: “Lord, as I spend time with You this morning, fill me with Your joy. Let it overflow from me, so that others may feel this joy and be led to Your saving grace.”

PRAYER: 
Loving Lord, thank You for the joy of Your presence. Just as Paul and Silas praised You in prison, teach me to rejoice in every situation, knowing that Your Spirit is with me. Fill me with Your overflowing joy, not just for myself, but so that those around me may also taste and see Your goodness. Let my life shine with the joy of salvation, leading others to You. Today I surrender my heart; fill me afresh with Your presence, Your joy, and Your grace. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.