Don't Let the Devil Steal Your Joy

How many times have we found ourselves in a rut or valley of deep emotion so strong that it makes it physically impossible to move around sometimes? I've been there. I have carried burdens for other brothers and sisters in Christ, cried my eyes out over stories of children being abused, and have sat in deep thought thinking about what could be done in and outside the home. I have to admit, that all of that "emotional" baggage used to drain my very spirit. Saying that, I do not complain about those opportunities. It is only when the Holy Spirit reminds me that if I don't laugh every once in awhile, I could become too enthralled in thought to the point to where I am quenching the Spirit. Sometimes, God gives us an opportunity to laugh and cut up with others. One of my favorite quotes that I often look back on is from Beth Moore. She said, "Good humor and laughter are far too wonderful not to come straight from the heart of God.” We have to find opportunities to go out and enjoy ourselves. This past Friday night, I had another opportunity to go with a sister-in-Christ, Roxanne, of mine to Bonefish Grill in Turkey Creek. It was my first time going and it was definitely an opportunity for the two of us to use to giggle and talk about spiritual things. With our busy lives, we try and go out and use that time (usually take off to Turkey Creek, our favorite place lol!) to bond with one common goal: fellowship.

If you know me by now, you should know that I am a realist and pessimist. I am a deep thinker, I am an observer, I am a discerner of persons, and I am extremely outspoken on calling things out that need to called out. I am also a big wise crack, sarcastic, easy-going, and enjoy dry and witty humor. My husband, on the other hand is a realist but an optimist. He is laid back, very funny, affectionate, collective, and gives everyone the benefit of the doubt. He is my balance. He also serves as my reminder on how to handle situations and emotions. From the beginning of time, God purposed us to be together and God knew why. When my spirits are low, Dustin reminds me to smile and laugh. When my spirits are going crazy and I feel as though someone deserves to be punched in the mouth, Dustin reminds me of God's grace and patience with us.

What we have to realize is, is that our contentment and joy is not found in this life, not even with our spouses or materialistic desires or wants. Our joy is found in the Lord Jesus Christ. Last Thursday, I took my oldest child, Brent and my youngest, Meredith, to the movies and watched "War Room." I remember one scene when Miss Clara was speaking to Elizabeth about her prayer life and relationship with God. She said that real joy, peace, and happiness will not be found in your spouse, it is only found in God. When we figure that out, we will be able to love our spouses as Christ loves us. Another scene that I enjoyed, was when Elizabeth rebuked the devil and sent him out of her home. As she went outside, she told him that she would no longer let him steal her joy. After her talk with Miss Clara and her time with the Lord in prayer, she knew where to put her faith, tears, fights, and joy. She placed all of it in Jesus Christ. Why? The devil wants to render us ineffective for the Kingdom of God. Just like Miss Clara said, repeating from John 10:10, the Devil comes only to "steal, and to kill, and to destroy." He wants us miserable because he is miserable; miserably sick of God's blessings on our lives.

Continue to weep with those who weep and mourn with those who mourn, but also rejoice with those who rejoice (Romans 12:15 reference). Don't look for your joy in another human being or object. Don't look for it something temporary that this world offers. You can find your joy in the One who made you, the One who died for you, and the One who has made a mansion specifically for you in Paradise. He loved you enough to create you into existence and to sustain you. If your joy is gone, He is able to restore it unto you. You have to let Him. Enjoy and claim the promises below.

"You will show me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore." Psalm 16:11

"Be glad in the Lord and rejoice, you righteous; And shout for joy, all you upright in heart!" Psalm 32:11

"Let them shout for joy and be glad, Who favor my righteous cause; And let them say continually, let the Lord be magnified, Who has pleasure in the prosperity of His servant.” Psalm 35:27

"The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly." John 10:10