
Praise, worship, joy… they all connect – things that steal your joy also steal your worship, and your thanksgiving and praise… test yourself to see if these things could be robbing you of your joy!
Complaining
No one ever feels better after complaining, because it drains you of positive energy and fills you up on the negative. Proverbs tells us that by the fruit of our lips the stomach is filled. You are what you speak.
Numbers 11:1 Now when the people complained, it displeased the LORD; for the LORD heard it, and His anger was aroused. So the fire of the LORD burned among them, and consumed some in the outskirts of the camp.
Procrastination
Don’t put something off that you can do today. Even if you aren’t able to complete the task, the smallest progressive step in that direction will keep you from falling into the “procrastinator-trap.”
Leviticus 19:13 ‘You shall not cheat your neighbor, nor rob him. The wages of him who is hired shall not remain with you all night until morning.
Gossip
Manufacturing gossip or words that tear down the reputation of others will never add any joy to your life. On the other hand, when you use your words to build into the lives of others you bring joy to you and them as well.
2 Corinthians 12:20 For I am afraid that when I come I may not find you as I want you to be, and you may not find me as you want me to be. I fear that there may be discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, slander, gossip, arrogance and disorder.
Approval Seeking
Being liked by everyone is so overrated. It’s much better to have God’s approval and love others from a genuine place, instead of neediness.
Ps. 119:72The law from Your mouth is more precious to me than thousands of pieces of gold and silver. 73Your hands have made me and fashioned me; give me understanding to learn Your commandments.
Not Keeping Your Word
Don’t make promises you can’t keep. It’s much better to say nothing at all then to say that you are going to do something and then not do it. Keep your joy by being careful with your commitments.
James 5:12 But above all, my brethren, do not swear, either by heaven or by earth or with any other oath. But let your “Yes” be “Yes,” and your “No,” “No,” lest you fall into judgment.
Negative Self Talk
Insulate joy in your life by speaking encouragement and positivity to yourself. Let these words pour in and through your life.
Philippians 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.
Attachment To Circumstances
The Bible tells us that the joy of the Lord is our strength, not the joy of our circumstances. Learn to detach from circumstances and handle change with finesse.
Nehemiah 8:10 Then he said to them, “Go your way, eat the fat, drink the sweet, and send portions to those for whom nothing is prepared; for this day is holy to our Lord. Do not sorrow, for the joy of the LORD is your strength.”
Living In the Past
Our past can keep us from enjoying the joy of now. Let go of past memories that are joy zappers.
Phil 3: 12 Not that I have already attained,or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me. 13Brethren, I do not count myself to have [d]apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, 14I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. 15Therefore let us, as many as are mature, have this mind; and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal even this to you. 16Nevertheless, to the degree that we have already [e]attained, let us walk by the same [f]rule, let us be of the same mind.
Fear Of The Future
Live in hope of the future instead of fear. We make the choice to use our imagination to fuel faith or fear. Be hopeful and expectant of all the good things the Lord can do.
Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.
Prayerlessness
An active prayer life will help you tap into the joy of the Lord daily. May He release the joy realms of Heaven to you.
John 16:24, “Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name; ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full.
Study Guide: Regaining your Joy and Strength
Original article by https://www.beliefnet.com – This ministry does not endorse this site for doctrinal reasons, but appreciate the work and study above. Original author unknown, edited and scriptures by Lois McQuinn
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