Joy Wins Against Stress

Joy is found when we are mindful to live in the moment by finding God’s goodness of the present.  Every breath is from Him and an opportunity to center ourselves. 

“The thief comes to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly,” John 10:10. This verse describes the hope of our faith and the three main ways the adversary tries to steal our joy.

First, he wants to STEAL our joy. He does this by tricking us to live life in the past. We cannot experience life in abundance, if we walk around with regret. Too many believers are defeated because of yesterday’s sins. The concerns, pains, and hurts of the past will stop joy from flourishing.

The enemy also wants to KILL our future. He does this by whispering to us about what might happen. Fear grips the weary heart and paralyzes the saint not walking in the fruit of joy. The enemy knows he can defeat us, if we are uptight and worrisome. However, God says, “I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not harm you,” Jeremiah 29:11. His joy is a breath of fresh air!

The enemy knows that if he can keep us uptight and fearful of tomorrow or living in the regret of yesterday, then he can DESTROY our present. If we are gripped by fear or pain, we cannot experience the abundant life. However, the enemy shouldn’t defeat us because Jesus defeated him! “For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the adversary,” 1 John 3:8.

Jesus came that we might have  life and life to its fullest. The connection is clear. Life comes through walking in the joy of Lord.  Take a deep breath right now and as you inhale say “joy” and as you exhale breathe out “stress.”