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Day 105: Don't Let Anything Steal Your Joy!



June 29, 2020

Several years ago, I worked with a teacher named Sherry.  Sherry was kind, quiet and sweet as pie.  In all the time we knew each other, I never saw her angry or heard her raise her voice.  One day Sherry went to buy groceries and after putting her purchases in the car, she got in the driver’s seat but before she got the door closed, someone grabbed her door.  This person’s intent was to rob Sherry.  Their hand was in the pocket of their hoodie making it seem as though they had a gun.  There was no way to be sure.  I think I would have fainted and melted onto the ground.  I for sure would have given them whatever they wanted.  But Sherry had not had a good day even before this incident.  She was “a woman on the edge”.  Rather than letting the robber have what they wanted, Sherry began to yell at the person, “Just get out of here!  Go away!  You’re NOT getting my purse!”  Because she was so afraid and so mad, sweet Sherry even added in some curse words!  She said she yelled so loud that people looked to see what was going on.  Thankfully, it scared the (young) thief away.  He ran to a waiting car and left Sherry alone and shaking, but still in possession or her purse and her life.  I would NEVER recommend this reaction to being robbed (and neither would Sherry).  It was very risky, but it was just that; it was a reaction.  Sherry was tired of the way her day had been going.  She was aggravated and angry and if this thief was looking for an easy mark, he picked the wrong lady.  When we’re having a bad day, full of unwelcomed challenges, it is Satan trying to steal our joy.  He is trying to rob of us our peace and happiness and make us doubt that God loves and cares about us.  We need only one word to send him scurrying away.  The name of Jesus.  Whether you say it in your head or out loud, “Jesus” is all you need to reclaim your peace and get your day (or your life) back on track.  Don’t let the devil mistake you for an easy mark.  Fight back with your faith!  Philippians 2:9-11 (TLB) says: “Yet it was because of this that God raised him up to the heights of heaven and gave him a name which is above every other name, that at the name of Jesus every knee shall bow in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue shall confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”  Romans 15:13 (NIV):  “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”  Don’t let anyone steal your joy!  Smile and be joyful! 
A song to lift your spirits: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yOEviTLJOqo

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