Joy

Don’t let the evil one, or anyone else, steal your joy; don’t fall into the trap of getting bitter and angry.  This has happened to many people through the years and I believe it has happened to believers also.  Remember, the joy of the Lord is our strength and if we allow anyone to steal our joy, we will become weak and feeble, even if we are believers.  We know that our enemy, the devil, is the father of lies and a deceiver, a destroyer and also an accuser who hates everyone believer and non-believer alike.  

Remember when Jesus was in the desert, and Satan tried to get him to sin by telling him to tell these stones to become bread and trying to get him to throw himself down from the highest peak of the Temple and then the evil one showed Jesus all the kingdom of the world offering him all the kingdoms of the world if he would just bow down and worship him?  Jesus did not yield to any of these things then the devil left Jesus.  It happened after Jesus had fasted for forty days and forty nights, when Jesus was hungry and weak and worn down.  We know that the devil comes to steal, kill and destroy and he can wait for the most venerable time to hit us, when we are sick and tired, or some kind of tragedy takes place and we are worn out and struggling with a lot of pain over a period of time.  

I know this is easier said than done in many cases, but I suggest trying this, that you give God your pain.  When we hold onto our pain and not ask the Lord to help us, we can tend to get angry and even bitter at times and lose our perspective.  Then Satan can come with his accusations and accuse us of wasting our time being a believer, trying to make us feel like God doesn’t care, saying if he did, he wouldn’t allow all these things to happen to us, trying to get us to give up and throw in the towel.

Jesus said in John 16:33, “These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.”

We will have trials and struggles in this life, but if we can think positively with the Lord’s help, we will be much better off.

Remember this, God’s word says this in Romans 8:28, “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.”

We don’t always understand why things happen in our lives, but we know if we are God’s children He knows, and He cares for us.  So, if the devil or anyone else tries to steal your joy don’t allow it to happen

May the good Lord bless you and keep you and yours from temptation, and don’t forget to thank and praise the Lord for He is worthy!!  I hope this has been an encouraging word and helpful to you!!