The Power of a Joyful Heart
Do you find it hard to remain joyful with everything that’s going on around you?
One of my fondest childhood memories is of my mother walking around the house saying, “You’re not going to steal my Joy!”
Whenever something would threaten our families circumstances my mother would declare that she wasn’t going to let it steal her Joy. It could have been an unexpected bill that showed up in the mail or the car could have broken down again; no matter what it was she refused to let it get her down.
My mom knew there was an enemy waiting to use her present circumstances against her. When she made that declaration, she was saying that God was bigger than any problem she was facing. She trusted God and found joy in knowing He would help her get through it.
So how do we prevent the enemy from using our circumstances against us? Do we have to run around the house saying, “You’re not going to steal my joy?”
No, but it probably wouldn’t hurt if we did.
When I was little I would giggle when my mother said it. But now that I’m older, I realize my mom was on to something. While studying the scriptures I found three important truths from the book of 1 Peter that can help us when the enemy tries to use our circumstances against us:
Stay alert.
“Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” 1 Peter 5:8 [NIV]
My mother didn’t hesitate to point out the enemies’ schemes. She was ready for them.
The scriptures tell us we have an adversary that is waiting for an opportunity to attack. And this enemy will use our situation to try and shake our faith. This is why we must stay alert and watch for his schemes. By staying alert, we’ll be able to recognize the attacks of the enemy as soon as they come our way.
By staying alert, we’ll be able to recognize the attacks of the enemy as soon as they come our way.–Tweet this!
Seek the Lord–immediately!
“Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” 1 Peter 5:7 [NIV]
My mother didn’t waste time; she immediately took it to the Lord.
Have you ever noticed that the longer you fret about something the bigger it becomes? This is why it’s so important to bring our worries and anxieties to God as soon as they present themselves. We don’t want to give our adversary extra time to throw his fiery seeds of doubt in our direction. The longer we wait to seek the Lord the easier it is for the enemy to use our circumstances against us.
The longer we wait to seek the Lord, the easier it is for the enemy to use our circumstances against us. –Tweet this!
Resist the devil’s schemes.
“Resist him, standing firm in your faith….” 1 Peter 5:9 [NIV]
My mother stood on the truth in God’s word and refused to let the enemies lies rattle her faith.
Our adversary is a deceiver and he will try to get us to doubt God. This is why it’s so important for us to fill ourselves with the truth found in God’s word. God’s word is a powerful weapon against the enemy. When the enemies darts come our way we need to stand firm and fight his lies with truth.
When the enemies darts come our way, we need to stand firm and fight his lies with truth. –Tweet this!
“The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise him.” Psalm 28:7 [NIV]
There will always be unfortunate circumstances to face in this world. The next time the enemy tries to use our situation to push us around let’s stand firm in our faith and refuse to let him steal our joy! Whatever it is we’re facing we can trust that God is in control. He is our help and refuge in times of trouble.
Lord, I cast all of my anxieties on you. Help me to resist the schemes of the enemy. No matter what comes against me, I put my trust in you. I stand firm in faith and declare that you are a mighty God. May I always find joy in knowing that you alone are in control of this world. In Jesus’ name, Amen!
Thank you joining me today. ~Kelly Basham
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I love this principle of “You’re not going to steal my joy!” and I believe we can also apply it to other aspects of our lives like “You’re not going to steal my peace!”. Thanks for sharing.
Yes–I totally agree! It could definately apply to our peace. Thanks for stopping by Miriam!
I think it’s particularly easy to let our joy get swept away in the deluge of national turmoil, natural disasters, and worldwide unrest. So I appreciate that you’ve shared this wisdom about intentional choices we can make to preserve our God-given joy. Keeping our eyes fixed on our Savior is key! Thanks for sharing with us at Grace & Truth.
You are welcome Jennifer! Thank you for the opportunity to share.
Great post, Kelly. You’re right, it probably wouldn’t hurt for us to say, “You’re not going to steal my joy!” It’s taking a stand on God’s Word. Just speaking that aloud will help us stay vigilant.
Thanks Kelly. And you’re right, speaking it aloud will definitely help us stay vigilant.
What a great role model your mom is for all of us. I need to remember that: “You’re not going to steal my joy!” I like your point about staying alert to the enemy’s schemes and going immediately to Jesus!
Thank you Betsy!
Perfect timing – really needed this refresher and truth! <3
Dearest Kelly, I cannot tell you how much this post has blessed me this morning. I am practicing a message for a talk on joy I’m giving in December, and this confirmed the message God has placed in my heart. P.S. You need to be on my podcast! Visit laurengaskillinspires.com/finding-joy-podcast, then contact me at lauren@laurengaskillinspires.com. I’d love to have you on the show! <3
Hi Lauren! I love it when God uses us to confirm his messages for others. It’s so cool when He does that. I stopped by your blog and listened to your latest podcast and loved it! It was so encouraging. I’ll send you an email later today to chat about your show. 🙂
Kelly, my ladies class is right now studying through these verses from 1 Peter so this post is timely! I love your mom’s saying…and the effect that it had on her kids to watch her fight for joy! I’m a single mom (after my husband’s sudden death) and this is stuff I cling to …that my kids will see and know how to see the good always despite circumstances. Wise words!
Hi Lisa. Thank you for stopping by. God has a way of putting things together in a timely manner doesn’t He? I’m sorry to hear about your husband. I can’t even imagine how hard it’s been for you.
By the way, I think you are setting a great example for your kids. 🙂
Your Mom sounds awesome : ) Such great wisdom in this story! Thank you for sharing : )
Thank you Bethany! You are welcome.
Kelly,
I loved this post! You’ve been blessed to have such a wise mama who taught you positive spiritual warfare! My amazing mother-in-law says the same thing, or better yet sometimes she will ask you “Are you going to let it steal your joy?”. It puts the ball back into your court. Instead of feeling that the enemy has control over our circumstances, we need to recognize that it is our authority as a believer in Christ to take captive of the situations around us in our head. We can’t LET them steal our joy. Truly great insight. I saw your request for Guest Bloggers. I would love to help. I write a weekly devotion called Soul H2O. I just released my first Soul H2O devotional book this past month. I think we have a lot in common girl 🙂 I stopped by via the #RaRaLinkup. So glad I did!
~Sherry Stahl
xoxo
Thank you Sherry. It sounds like your mother-in-law was a wise woman too! Congratulations on the release of your devotional book! I would be happy to have you write a devotion for us. I plan to announce the next series soon. Be sure to sign up for the guest post newsletter here:https://kellybasham.com/guest-post-write-for-us/
I’m all signed up 🙂