The word JOY keeps creeping into conversations lately. So, why not make this our word-of-the-week.
Earlier this school year a new employee at my school was feeling overwhelmed (as we all tend to do during those days of pre-planning). They mentioned that they felt like their JOY was being depleted, and they didn’t want anyone to steal their JOY. I shared with them a brief story with the same title, “Don’t Steal My Joy” . The small piece of paper that I kept on my corkboard in the story is still in my desk today. It is a physical reminder that I’m not going to let anyone steal my JOY.
A few weeks later I was speaking with a mom of a senior in high school. She had something wonderful planned for her senior and other soon-to-be-graduates. She said that “someone is trying to steal her thunder”. I replied, “Don’t let anyone steal your JOY.”
Then again recently, another person offered to provide a meal for someone. The recipient graciously declined, but the one making the offer replied, “Don’t steal my JOY. I want to do this for you.”
There will be times in your life when may feel like someone is “stealing your JOY”. So ask yourself? Where does my joy come from? Does it come from others, circumstances, or accomplishments?
I know as a mom I feel JOY when my children obey, do good things, succeed in something, etc. As a human, I sense JOY when various events take place like; weddings, birthdays, other celebrations, and even church events. When someone I know or even myself earn the honor of being recognized for something they accomplished, JOY is felt. BUT…in all of these instances JOY is but a fleeting moment.
So where can we find everlasting JOY?
It’s simple…GOD! “You make known to me the path of life; You will fill me with JOY in Your presence, with eternal pleasures at Your right hand.” Psalm 16:11 Allow God to completely fill you up with His JOY.
When you accept Christ as your personal Savior and put all your trust in Him, He will give you much JOY. “I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with JOY and peace because you trust in Him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:13
Having JOY is one of the characteristics we are to have as Christians. “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,” Galatians 5:22
We are even told that we need to count it as JOY when troubles come our way. “Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy.” James 1:2
So what are we supposed to do to have complete JOY? “We must never stop looking to Jesus. He is the leader of our faith, and He is the one who makes our faith complete. He suffered death on a cross. But He accepted the shame of the cross as if it were nothing because of the JOY He could see waiting for Him. And now He is sitting at the right side of God’s throne.” Hebrews 12:2 See, Jesus has been there done that. He has suffered the ultimate sacrifice. Why? Because He knew the JOY that was coming. Stick with Christ! You will discover more JOY than you can even imagine, yes…even through those tough times.
Don’t let anyone “steal your JOY”. Keep looking to Jesus. He is the source of all JOY.
I pray many blessings and much JOY for you! Have a wonderful day. – Stephanie
For more stories and info on JOY, click here: Journal Entries on Joy. Joy in the NIV version of the bible
