My journey through Greece led me to the ancient cities of Neapolis and Philippi, places rich in history and spiritual significance. As I stood on the very ground where Paul and Silas once walked, I couldn’t help but feel a deep connection to the events that unfolded here so many centuries ago.
In Acts 19, we find Paul and Silas imprisoned in Philippi, their crime being nothing more than spreading the Good News of Jesus Christ. Yet, instead of despair, they chose to sing and pray, filling the prison with songs of praise. The other prisoners listened, perhaps in amazement, as these two men, despite their chains, exhibited a profound sense of peace and joy.
This story struck me deeply. It led me to ask myself, “How do you act in your darkest day?” Paul and Silas’s response was not one of fear or frustration but of joy—a joy that didn’t come from their circumstances but from something much deeper within. It made me realize that the way we respond to our darkest moments is a true reflection of our inner peace and faith.
But this raised another question: “How do you have joy no matter what?” As I reflected on Paul’s letters, I noticed something remarkable—he begins every letter by thanking God and praying for others. Even in the face of adversity, Paul’s focus remained on gratitude and intercession, not on his own suffering. His joy was rooted in his relationship with God, not in his external circumstances.
I then learned an important lesson: if you have to ask anything in difficult times, ask “what,” not “why.” Be willing to wait and trust, without demanding to know why things happen the way they do. The word happiness comes from happenings, the external events in our lives, but true joy comes from within, from a deep-seated trust in God’s plan.
Philippians 1:18 resonated with me during this time: “But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice.” Paul’s focus wasn’t on his suffering or his imprisonment but on the bigger picture—Christ was being preached, and for that, he rejoiced.
As I pondered these lessons, I had to ask myself: do I really act this way? How much do I complain when things don’t go as planned? Would I have acted like Paul and Silas in my darkest day, finding joy even in the most trying circumstances? It was a humbling reflection, one that made me realize the importance of not complaining, of focusing on what really matters.
The final lesson I took away from this experience was a call to be the salt and the light. To be the salt means to enhance or improve every atmosphere I am in, to bring out the best in every situation. To be the light means to shine brightly, illuminating the gifts we have received by rejoicing in our one and only Savior, Jesus Christ.
So, as I continue my journey—both through Greece and through life—I hold these lessons close. I strive to be the salt that enhances every situation and the light that shines on the beauty of God’s grace. I encourage you to do the same. In your darkest days, remember that joy comes from within, and that it’s not about asking “why” but about trusting in God’s plan and focusing on what truly matters.
May we all find the strength to sing in our darkest moments and to rejoice in the knowledge that we are never alone.
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