Protect Your Joy

Joy is happiness based on spiritual circumstances.

Joy is a gift from Jesus Himself.

Joy comes from staying connected to Jesus.

Jesus gives us His joy.

Jesus keeps our joy full.

If Jesus has given us joy as part of the abundant life, then the enemy seeks to steal, kill and destroy.

Five Ways the Enemy Steals Your Joy

1. Dwelling on Comparison

But let every man prove his own work, and then shall he have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another.Galatians 6:4

For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise.2 Corinthians 10:12

2. Harboring Unforgiveness or Bitterness

Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.Ephesians 4:31-32

Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled;Hebrews 12:15

3. Allowing Anxiety and Worry to Dominate

Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.Philippians 4:6-7

Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment?Matthew 6:25

4. Unconfessed or Perpetual Sin

Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit.Psalm 51:12

Behold, the LORD’s hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither his ear heavy, that it cannot hear: But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear.Isaiah 59:1-2

5. Lack of Gratitude

In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.1 Thessalonians 5:18

Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.Romans 1:21