andgive no opportunity to the devil. Ephesians 4:27
I sent a text to myparents Friday afternoon. It read, “Ihave had more wins than loses this week, so I count the week a win.” I indeed had enjoyed a fairly positive weekhowever, there had been one incident that preyed on my thoughts. No matter how much I tried to focus on thepositives of the week that one failure kept nagging me. Before I knew it my mood clouded and I letall my attention fall on that one event.
How easily we allow our joy to be stolen. In all that was accomplished, I found no satisfaction because I could not let the one insignificant event go. That is exactly what the enemy wants. He wants to refocus my thoughts on the negative, things that encourage resentment, anxiety, anger and frustration. The weight of these emotions cause my spirit to sink and then the negative voices begin to whisper in my mind. What do we do when this happens? We steer our thoughts to Jesus. Consciously breathe, soften your body, relax and then put up your hand and say, “I’m not going down that road. I am choosing to focus on Jesus and keeping my joy!”
Feelings of resentment,anxiety, fear, anger and frustration are not of God. They are from the enemy and he will dowhatever he can to bring you down and burden you. If you are burden and your spirit low, youare unable to lift up those around you. If you are filled with joy then it is easier for you to accomplish yourspiritual mission, which is to glorify God by spreading love and light.
Do not let the enemysteal your joy!
Typistfor Jesus!
Mustard Seeds, Modern Parables 
Hi Melissa,
I enjoyed reading your blog! Mom has asked me to share with her as well.
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Oh my we absolutely feel your pain. We have let our joy be stolen away so many times in the last 2 years. We recently wrote about our big issue here: https://marriedstrong.com/2019/05/15/as-victims-we-learn-to-survive-and-thrive/
God bless you as you forge ahead!
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