A prisoner, but happier than a king
The apostle Paul could hardly be envied! Although he dearly loved his own people, the multitude in Jerusalem had nearly killed him. He had been freed by the Roman peacekeepers, but was then dragged from one court to another and finally retained as a prisoner.
Now the apostle was brought before king Agrippa by the Roman governor and the elders of the city. Unimpressed by all the pomp, he defended himself with all due clarity and ended his speech by preaching the Gospel. He even dared to appeal to the king's conscience. Agrippa appears to have been affected, but resolved not to take the decisive step to Christ. Despite his royal office he was a prisoner. The man who was truly free in that courtroom was the apostle Paul. He had been freed of his sins, freed from any desire for fame or honour, and freed from fear of men.
His joy consisted in living for His rising Lord, who stood by him and strengthened him. He knew that right was on his side. His conscience was clear and his heart full of hope. Fettered like a criminal, he could sincerely wish everyone was a Christian and thus be happy, like himself, indeed happier than a king. He will dearly share that joy with everybody. That is why he preach the Gospel.
Today, many people are in bondage to their desires. Though they waste away going after what they want, but never seem to have had enough. Isn't this a bondage? Some consciously chose to live their lives without God calling it freedom. Isn't the tragedies and terrors experienced in the world today the results of the freedom man clamored?
The apostle Paul from the Scripture above, passed through so many troubles. But despite all the troubles he suffered, he has reason all to regret being a believer. He knew that real freedom is being saved from his sins, and being at peace with God. To have this same joy and peace like Paul, you must have to do what he did - surrender to the Savior and let you rule your life. Then you will have deep joy and peace even in the midst of trouble and chaos knowing that a better life awaits you after this sorrowful life.