February 2, 2005

“…Rejoice in the Lord always;”
(Phil 4:4)

Always? If you can not rejoice in the Lord, something is wrong.

Let’s continue to review this list in our quiet times before the Lord. Remember, we are asking, “Why do Christians lose their joy?”

1. Some Christians don’t have joy…because they never really had it.
2. Unconfessed Sin will take away your joy!

3. The enemy can steal your joy!

Jesus said that our enemy is the thief who comes to “…steal, kill and destroy.” (Jn 10:10)

Paul, writing to the church at Corinth, said:

“…so that no advantage would be taken of us by Satan, for we are not ignorant of his schemes.” (II Cor. 2:11)

However, I think we are ignorant of his schemes. He often takes advantage of us and steals our joy. He knows that without joy, our service to God is empty and ineffective. So, he attacks our minds and emotions and attempts to take us off track.

Don’t let the enemy steal your joy. How does he do it?

Look at how your enemy is described below. As you look at these verses, consider how he would try to steal your joy.

Deceiver: “the serpent of old who is called the devil and Satan, who deceives the whole world..” (Rev. 12:9)

Accuser: “the accuser of the brethren…” (Rev. 12:10)

Schemer: “Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. (Eph 6:11)

Evil Warrior: “…taking up the shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. (Eph. 6:16)

Adversary: “Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.” (I Peter 5:8)

If we allow him to accuse us and deceive us, he will lock up our hearts in fear and shut down our witness. Be on the alert. Put on the armor of God and take your stand. Let the joy of the Lord flow through your heart. Remember,

“…the joy of the Lord is your strength!” (Neh. 8:10)