The Devil tries to steal my/your Joy!

1 Peter 5:8 ESV

Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.

It’s true. Anytime, and every time, when I begin evangelizing, praying in a strong place and being on fire with the Holy Spirit, it happens. The spiritual battle begins. It’s no coincidence. I began my blog, feeling great about it, then he creeps in and tries to ruin it. He gives negative thoughts, arguments, harsh words and thoughts. He shows the ugly side of things. It happened to me today. He reminded me of my weaknesses in my marriage and my parenting.

But, Jesus said very clearly that Satan comes immediately to steal the Word. He does this through affliction, persecution, the cares of this world, the lust of other things, and the deceitfulness of riches. What is the devil trying to steal from us? THE WORD.

Since God’s Word produces JOY in our hearts, the devil becomes adamant about stealing it. When we read the Word, we realize that it’s God’s will for us to prosper and be in health, love, and kindness, and that produces JOY on the inside of us.

I let it happen today. I let him In. I failed as a wife and a mother in 2 situations, where I became weak and defeated, as evidenced through my actions and behavior. But tonight, I stand strong, and I say “Not tonight Satan”. “Not tonight”. Being able to forgive ourselves and others is of God! The devil doesn’t like that! But tonight, I say sorry. To myself, my husband and my son. And I’ll try harder to be stronger tomorrow.

So, I encourage myself, and I encourage you! Please don’t let the devil defeat you by stealing your joy. Remember, that when you have limited or no joy, you have no strength, and that’s when Satan can come in and rob you of everything you have. Satan has no pursuit when Joy is present. THE JOY OF THE LORD IS MY/YOUR STRENGTH! Put on the armor of God! The helmet, the chestplate and the sword. And remember “Not today satan, not today”.