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 things 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.
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.
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.
“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!
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I am passionate about pointing others to the nourishing truth and wisdom found in God’s word. When I’m not writing you’ll probably find me working on a new arts and crafts project, hunting for vintage accessories, or planning my family’s next visit to the mountains. Visit my blog or follow my social media!
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