THINGS THAT STEAL YOUR JOY

Things That Steal Your Joy

INTRO: My chicken and fox story…

Song of Solomon 2:15 (NKJV) Catch us the foxes, the little foxes that spoil the vines, for our vines have tender grapes.

Vines and grapes are a symbol of joy. The enemy will send foxes into our lives to rob us of our joy! We call them “joy suckers”!

TEXT 2 Corinthians 7:5 (NKJV) For indeed, when we came to Macedonia, our bodies had no rest, but we were troubled on every side. Outside were conflicts, inside were fears.

The enemy will send attacks both outside and inside. Outside attacks are usually out of our control. We have more control over the inner battle. We have to understand that how we react to a situation is often more important than the situation itself. God can change our circumstances in a moment; we submit our will to Him to temper our reaction.

Let’s look at some little foxes that can come our way.

FOUR JOY SUCKERS

1.  Pain

            Physical

            Emotional

2.  People

            Disappointment

            Hurt

            Rejection

3.  Places

            I don’t want to be here.

            Uncontrolled circumstances

4.  Possessions

            Desire for more

            Be like the world

In order for these foxes to get in, we have to leave the gate unlocked.

John 10:1 (NKJV) Most assuredly, I say to you, he who does not enter the sheepfold by the door, but climbs up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber.

John 10:10 (NKJV) The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.

THREE GATES

1.  Gate of Sin

Psalms 51:12 (NKJV) Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, snd uphold me by Your generous Spirit.

2.  Gate of Bitterness

Hebrews 12:15 (NKJV) looking carefully lest anyone fall short of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up cause trouble, and by this many become defiled;

3.  Gate of Living for Today

James 4:1–2 (NKJV) Where do wars and fights come from among you? Do they not come from your desires for pleasure that war in your members? You lust and do not have. You murder and covet and cannot obtain. You fight and war. Yet you do not have because you do not ask.

LET'S SLAM THE GATES SHUT!

1. The gate of sin

Confess and repent

1 John 2:1–2 (NKJV) My little children, these things I write to you, so that you may not sin. And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. And He Himself is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the whole world.

Psalms 32:1 (NKJV) Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, Whose sin is covered.

2. The gate of bitterness

Forgive and ask forgiveness…

Mark 11:25 (NKJV) And whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him, that your Father in heaven may also forgive you your trespasses.

3. The gate of living for today

Live for eternity!

2 Corinthians 4:18 (NKJV) While we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal.

Colossians 3:1–2 (NKJV) If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.

INVITATION

Let’s read the verse right after our text…

2 Corinthians 7:6 (NKJV) Nevertheless God, who comforts the downcast, comforted us…

If you are having joy sucked out of you today, know that God is reaching out to you! He will not leave you or forsake you. It doesn’t matter if it’s your fault or something out of your control, God is there for you!

Psalms 34:6 (NKJV) This poor man cried out, and the LORD heard him, and saved him out of all his troubles.

Psalms 34:18 (NKJV) The LORD is near to those who have a broken heart and saves such as have a contrite spirit.

Psalms 145:18 (NKJV) The LORD is near to all who call upon Him, to all who call upon Him in truth.

Isaiah 57:15 (NKJV) For thus says the High and Lofty One Who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy: “I dwell in the high and holy place, with him who has a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones.

Matthew 11:28 (NKJV) Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

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