This Means War...

Declare war on the enemies of your joy

The book of Nehemiah says that the joy of the Lord is your strength (Neh. 8:10). That's hard to believe when sometime it's difficult to maintain your joy for five full minutes. Joy is God's will for your life, and what He wills, He is able to accomplish in you - even in the midst of a busy lifestyle. If the joy of the Lord is your strength, then it stands to reason that joy would be a major focus of attack by the enemy. He wants to weaken you in whatever way he can. To fend off his attack, you must be aware of the joy busters and strength-stealers he uses against you.

These are the attitudes which steal your joy.

Learn them.
Memorize them.

Resentment
Siblings Mariam and Aaron questioned God's call on Moses' life. Each person has been called to a particular ministry and no single ministry is better, more important, or more valuable than another. If there is someone you resent, repent before God. The longer you allow resentment to lodge in your thoughts, the more energy and power it acquires, giving rise to bitterness.

Bitterness
The Lord says, see to it that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many (Heb.12:15). Bitterness is contagious - it destroys your joy and those around you. The opposite is also true. If you breed joy and thanksgiving, your attitude will be infectious.

Anger
Do not let the sun go down on your anger (Eph. 4:26). There is such a thing as righteous anger, but it does not lead to sin. But I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment...of the fire of hell (Matt. 5:22). Jesus obviously sees anger as a big deal. Anger is a decision you can choose to forego.

Unforgiveness
Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you (Eph. 4:32). Forgiving others sets you free to be powerful in the joy of the Lord. It is equally important to accept forgiveness from God and not hold on to the past.

Fear
Lack of trust is actually fear - not trusting God to take care of you. God has not given us a spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind (2 Tim. 1:7). Fear causes you to be timid and lose the power and the sound mind that God has given. The only fear you are to have is fear of the Lord, which is awesome reverence for Him.

Offense
You always will find opportunities to be offended wherever you go. If you choose to be offended, then you allow Satan a foothold. Don't waste your time or energy being offended. Great peace have they who love your law, and nothing can make them stumble (Ps. 119:165).

Disobedience
You sometimes know what God wants you to do, but you just don't do it, and then wonder why you lose your joy. There is a ripple effect to sin which may hurt others through your disobedience.